Noida farmers stop construction at residential complexes

NOIDA: Scores of farmers today stalled the ongoing construction work of residential complexes at Noida sector 45, demanding higher compensation for their land as ordered by the Allahabad High Court in October.

Farmers from Sadarpur and adjoining villages, under the banner of Abadi Bachao Kisan Sangarsh Samiti, stopped the construction work of Amrapali, NRI, Prateek and Unitech builders.

The court had on October 21 cancelled land acquisition in three villages of Gautam Buddh Nagar district and hiked compensation in 61 villages by 64 per cent.

The court had observed that "they shall be entitled to payment of additional compensation" which could be up to "64.70 per cent of the compensation paid earlier" and that payment of the same shall be "ensured by the Authority (Noida/Greater Noida) at an early date.

"We will not allow the work till our demands are met," said Surinder Pradhan, a farmer leader.

At village Nagli Wazidpur, another organisation Kisan Sangarsh Samiti held a 'maha panchayat' where farmers from 54 villages participated.

The panchayat too asked for the implementation of court order.

"Authority has been given ultimatum till December 21 to implement the order," said Nawab Singh Nagar, farmers leader.