KKN Gurugram Desk | In a major step to improve connectivity and infrastructure in Muzaffarpur, the district administration has announced the acquisition of 12 acres of land for the construction of a connecting road between the Chandwara Bridge and the Darbhanga Four-Lane project. A six-member committee has been formed to oversee the land acquisition process, which will involve five villages. This acquisition is part of Phase 2 of the Chandwara Bridge development and aims to strengthen the road network in the region.

Formation of a Committee to Oversee Land Acquisition

The land acquisition process is now underway as part of the approach road construction for the Chandwara Bridge. The district administration, under the leadership of District Magistrate Subrata Kumar Sen, has formed a six-member committee to manage and monitor the land acquisition. This committee will include key officials from various departments: the Additional Collector, Revenue Department, Deputy Development Commissioner, District Land Acquisition Officer, DCALR East, District Sub-Registrar, and the Senior Project Engineer overseeing the bridge project.

The District Magistrate has instructed these officials to conduct a detailed site inspection and to determine the type and rate of land to be acquired. The committee will base its decision on the current market rate of land to avoid any potential disputes during the process. This move is aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness, with the market value of the land being the determining factor for compensation. The land acquisition will cover land in five villages and is a crucial step toward ensuring the completion of the Chandwara Bridge approach road.

Compensation Process and Market Value Assessment

One of the key aspects of this acquisition process is the determination of the compensation rate for the landowners. The committee will conduct an assessment of the buying and selling transactions in the area over the past few years to decide on a fair rate. Based on this assessment, the compensation rates will be finalized.

The amount of compensation will be directly tied to the market value, ensuring that landowners are compensated fairly for their properties. The process aims to resolve any disputes by establishing clear criteria for land valuation, reducing potential conflicts.

The project, estimated to cost ₹120 crore, will link the Chandwara Bridge to the Darbhanga Four-Lane, improving the region’s connectivity and infrastructure. This development is expected to ease traffic congestion and provide better transportation options, boosting the local economy and improving accessibility to key areas.

Public Hearing on Land Acquisition and Compensation Dispute

On Saturday, a public hearing was held at the Jagannath Mishra College campus in Muzaffarpur to address issues related to land acquisition for the construction of the approach road to the Chandwara Bridge. Representatives from the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited, the District Land Acquisition Office, and the Social Impact Assessment Institution participated in the hearing alongside local landowners.

During the hearing, several landowners raised concerns about the compensation offered for their properties. They expressed dissatisfaction with the Market Value Rate (MVR) set by the authorities and requested a reevaluation to ensure that the compensation was fair and adequate. Landowners argued that the current MVR was insufficient and did not take future prospects into account.

In response, E. Ruby Rani, Senior Project Engineer from the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation, assured the landowners that the compensation would be four times the amount of the MVR, addressing their concerns and assuring them of a fair settlement. The landowners also requested that houses located along the alignment of the proposed road be preserved, as they would be affected by the acquisition. Additionally, they asked for the acquisition of vacant land near the Sipahpur canal, which would be more suitable for the project.

Commitment to Minimize Property Impact

In addition to addressing compensation concerns, landowners also highlighted the need for prior notices before the land acquisition process begins. They requested that the authorities mark the land for acquisition and give advance notice to ensure they had time to make necessary arrangements.

The Senior Project Engineer, E. Ruby Rani, responded positively, stating that the alignment marking process would begin the following week. She emphasized that every effort would be made to preserve houses where possible, with the aim of minimizing the impact on residents. The alignment marking will help identify the exact area needed for the approach road, allowing for any last-minute adjustments to be made.

Following the public hearing, the Senior Project Manager and other officials conducted a site inspection of Sipahpur, where the alignment would pass. This on-ground inspection will ensure that all aspects of the project are thoroughly assessed, and that landowners’ concerns are taken into account as the construction process moves forward.

Importance of the Project for Muzaffarpur and Surrounding Areas

The construction of the approach road to connect the Chandwara Bridge with the Darbhanga Four-Lane is a significant infrastructure development that will have long-term benefits for Muzaffarpur and surrounding areas. The ₹120 crore investment is expected to improve transportation in the region, making it easier for people to travel between key cities and towns.

This project will also reduce traffic congestion, as it will provide an alternative route for vehicles traveling to and from Darbhanga. By improving road connectivity, the project will contribute to the economic development of the region, as better roads can facilitate the movement of goods and services, leading to increased business activity.

Moreover, the land acquisition process and the compensation scheme are designed to ensure that the project progresses smoothly without causing undue hardship to local residents. By addressing landowners’ concerns about compensation and property impact, the government is working to ensure that the project is executed fairly and efficiently.

The ongoing land acquisition process for the Chandwara Bridge approach road is a crucial step toward improving the infrastructure of Muzaffarpur and connecting it to the Darbhanga Four-Lane. With a ₹120 crore investment, this project promises to enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and boost economic activity in the region.

The government’s commitment to addressing landowners’ concerns, ensuring fair compensation, and minimizing property impact shows a proactive approach to development. As the alignment marking and acquisition processes move forward, it is expected that the project will continue to progress smoothly, benefiting both local residents and the larger community.