SCB Residents Divided Over Transfer of Defence Lands

Hyderabad: The SCB decision to approve transfer of defence land for the construction of elevated corridors and skyways has evoked mixed reactions with some hoping for development while others worried about getting a fair compensation.

"The decision assures us that the northern side of Hyderabad will finally see some development projects coming up, businesses and other commercial places opening up and thereby, better public transport and roads," said Pallu Gangadhar of Bowenpally.

Members of Vikas Manch, an NGO, celebrated the announcement and distributed sweets.

"Only about 30 per cent of the properties along these two roads are owned by individuals/civilians. Other properties are the JBS Club and police station, along Vikrampuri colony road and Vaishnavinagar colonies and then the slum area in Trimulgherry. We thank all those who 'sacrifice' their properties for the cause and are certain they will be duly compensated, even if a loss of a single rupee happens, we will go to court with them," said Ravinder Sanki, general secretary of Vikas Manch.

Most others, although welcoming the move, urged that the affected private properties falling in B-2 private land be compensated first.

Nominated board member c. submitted a few points to the board to consider, on behalf of those who have properties in these areas. Some of them include statutory licences/taxes provided by the SCB and the state government to be calculated on a pro-rata basis and a refund be made for the residual period or the same benefits be forwarded/transferred. This could be utilised by some other individuals/groups residing in the area.

In a letter to SCB CEO Madhukar Naik, he said that the petrol pump and LPG dealerships and other licences should be transferable and the ownership should be retained as per norms.

Others requested that the hoardings erected with the permission of the board or any statutory body should be compensated for, including the civil works at these structures, and provision of suitable site locations with priority to the same site holders.

Many also noted that the state government had not revised the market value or registration value along the proposed roads viz., Rajiv Rahadari and National Highway 44. Increasing the value would give the owners a better deal.

"While it has been revised thrice in the past nine years, it was revised only once since 2014," Ramakrishna said.