Can’t scrap PRR, will give relief: Shivakumar

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said that the State government was in no position to scrap the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) but would ensure adequate compensation to the farmers who’d lost land on account of the project.

He made the remarks during his meeting with the farmers concerned at the Jnana Jyothi Auditorium on Palace Road in Bengaluru. Farmers also had an opportunity to voice their concerns and make suggestions.

“Peripheral Ring Road is essential to regulate the traffic of Bengaluru. There is no question of abandoning it. However, the government is committed to compensate those who have lost their lands,” Shivakumar said.

Among the many suggestions made by the farmers was the issuing of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the land acquired so that its ownership can be transferred back to them, which Shivakumar said was not an option.

“We cannot provide NOC for the land that has already been acquired. I would like to make that clear to you,” he said, but reiterated he would deal justly with those who had to give up their land.

Ryots suggest land as relief

Farmers cited the fact that they didn’t have the resources to hire lawyers and approach the courts. Therefore, the State government should compensate them as per the Land Acquisition Act 2013.