The Union Ministry of Power has issued new guidelines on the compensation mechanism for landowners whose land is acquired for inter-state power transmission (ISTS) line construction, Disha daily reported. These guidelines aim to ensure fair compensation for affected landowners.
The new directives amend previous orders to determine 'Right of Way' (RoW) compensation, in addition to regular crop and tree damage compensation, under the Electricity Act-2003 and the Indian Telegraph Act-1885. Payments will be 200 percent for the tower base area and 30 to 60 percent for the corridor, according to Disha daily.
These guidelines prioritize resolving objections from landowners when open market prices are higher than government circle or registration rates. Disha daily stated that a special procedure will be in place if circle rates are lower than market rates.
A 'Market Rate Committee' will be established under the leadership of collectors to assess market prices. Disha daily reported that there will be an opportunity to appeal within 30 days.
It has been clarified that these guidelines apply only to the construction of tower base power lines with a voltage level of 66 KV and above, and not to lower-level lines.
These new guidelines will benefit landowners in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as they ensure proper compensation for those affected by inter-state power line construction projects.
