03 July,2026 01:27 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/Pixabay
The Maharashtra government has approved compensation of Rs 25.43 lakh per hectare for tribal landholders and farmers affected by the Deharji medium irrigation project in Palghar district's Vikramgad taluka, officials said.
The decision comes after concerns were raised by local residents over land valuation and compensation rates for properties acquired for the project.
According to officials, the enhanced compensation package is aimed at addressing the concerns of families who are giving up their land for the irrigation and drinking water supply project.
The Deharji medium irrigation project, which began on November 11, 2022, has completed nearly 85 per cent of its planned construction work, officials said.
The project is being developed with a water storage capacity of 95.60 million cubic metres.
Once completed and fully operational, the reservoir is expected to supply around 255 million litres per day (MLD) of drinking water to more than 15 lakh residents.
The water supply will benefit areas under the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation and nearby parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
According to an official release issued on Thursday, the project faced challenges after affected residents raised objections over compensation calculations.
Locals had claimed that the standard Ready Reckoner rates did not accurately represent the actual value of their land and assets.
Following the protests, the Palghar district administration took up the matter with the state government, leading to the revised compensation approval.
"Our primary objective was to ensure that the land evaluation process remains absolutely fair, transparent, and empathetic to the tribal communities who are parting with their ancestral lands for a project of vital regional importance," Collector Indu Rani Jakhar said.
The Maharashtra government has now approved an increased compensation amount of Rs 25,43,100 per hectare for eligible landholders affected by the project.
Officials said the revised package is expected to help speed up the remaining land acquisition process and ensure smoother project implementation.
"The physical rehabilitation of all displaced families will be executed in a phased manner over the next 18 months," the official statement said.
With the compensation issue resolved, the district administration is now focusing on completing the pending land handovers required for the project.
Officials said coordination with affected families will continue to ensure the rehabilitation process moves forward smoothly while the remaining project-related work is completed.
(With inputs from PTI)
