Jewar airport: 77% of land acquired, possession taken over for 75%

GREATER NOIDA: The Gautam Budh Nagar administration has acquired 77% of land required under phase 1 for the Noida International Greenfield Airport scheduled to come up at Jewar.

The airport project is spread over 5,000 hectares across 39 villages, located near Jewar along the Yamuna Expressway. However, as part of the first phase of the project, the PwC — on behalf of the UP government, has sought environmental clearances for 1,239.14 hectares of land in six villages — Ranhera, Parohi, Rohi, Kishorpur, Dayanat Pur and Banwari Bas.

The administration is acquiring agricultural land, taking possession and handing it over to the Noida Airport International Limited (NIAL), the nodal agency for the airport.

“We have acquired 950 hectares out of 1,239.14 required for phase 1. We have taken possession of 923 hectares out of 950 hectares and handed it over to the NIAL,” said Abhay Singh, in-charge of the airport project.

The administration said it has acquired 77% of the land required under phase 1 and has taken possession of 75% of the land.

The administration has expedited the process of acquisition and possession so that deadlines can be adhered to. A group of farmers has been protesting in Dayanatpur against the acquisition rate offered, seeking higher compensation and better rehabilitation of affected families. On September 23, the police and administration had arrested 44 protesting farmers. The administration wants to acquire as much land as they can before more farmers join the protest, said officials. “There are a handful of farmers who are protesting and provoking other farmers. But most of the farmers are willingly giving up their land for the airport project,” said Singh.