VIDEO: 'Priority Compensation For Farmers Affected By Virar-Alibaug Corridor,' Says Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is committed to ensuring timely compensation for farmers whose lands were acquired for the Virar-Alibaug multi-purpose corridor project, said Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule during a session of the Legislative Council on Thursday.

The discussion was initiated by MLA Anil Parab under Rule 93, highlighting that several farmers from the Nilje to Hetwane region in Dombivli have not received compensation for the land acquired years ago under the corridor project.

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Minister Bawankule informed the House that the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is responsible for disbursing a total of ₹2,892 crore as compensation for private land acquired for the project. Of this, ₹500 crore was made available earlier, out of which ₹400 crore has already been distributed.

Responding to allegations that compensation was unfairly given to builders and influential individuals while poor farmers were left out, the minister clarified, “I will personally review the matter. Priority will be given to those with smaller landholdings and economically weaker backgrounds for the distribution of the remaining ₹100 crore.”

He further announced that MSRDC has now been granted approval to obtain a loan from HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation), amounting to ₹2,400 crore. Once these funds are received, compensation to all affected farmers will be completed in full.

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Minister Bawankule emphasized that the immediate ₹100 crore will be distributed with priority to small and marginal farmers, providing long-awaited relief to those who have been waiting for years. He also assured the House of the government's efforts to maintain transparency and expedite the land acquisition process.