Vasai residents slam poor compensation, no rehab in eviction drive

An undated photo of residents of six housing societies near one of the buildings listed for demolition. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Over 250 families residing in six residential buildings in Anand Nagar, Vasai West, have been served a final eviction notice by the Railways under the Borivli-Virar 5th and 6th line extension project.

"On June 17, the Railways issued a final public notice, giving only 60 days to vacate the buildings. Residents allege that the compensation being offered is unjust - barely enough to buy puffed rice and chickpeas - a mockery of fair valuation," said local resident Arun Malviya. "They are offering the same amount of compensation for commercial shops and residential houses, which is very unfair," added another resident, Chandrakant Shedge.

Resident Speak

"We live in a properly registered housing society and have been here for 35 years. I own a 1 BHK flat right next to Vasai station, and all they're offering me is R18 lakh. What can I do with such a small amount? Where will I go? The Railways already took land on one side of our building to build a platform. On the other side, the road department took land as well, both without compensation, all in the name of development. And now this," said Joel D'Souza, a resident of Shiv Shakti Apartments.

Joel D'Souza, a resident, Chandrakant Shedge and Kavita Chodankar

"The matter highlights gross negligence and possible collusion between railway officials and the sub-divisional officer (SDO), Vasai, who have failed to ensure lawful and humane acquisition procedures. No proper rehabilitation plan has been shared with the affected families, and many now face homelessness. Who will stand up for the rights of the poor?" Malviya questioned.

"We are not illegal residents. We've been paying taxes and living here for decades. We are not opposing the project, but the compensation package will drive us onto the streets. The government slogan says ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', but it seems they are only interested in ‘Vikas', not ‘Saath'," said resident Kavita Chodankar.

Residents are demanding immediate government intervention, a fair compensation package based on market value, and transparent rehabilitation under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. The project, which involves laying additional lines between Borivli and Virar (5th and 6th lines), is estimated to cost R2184.02 crore. It is expected to be a game-changer, helping to segregate suburban and outstation train traffic between Virar and Bandra Terminus.

The two-line project requires significant land acquisition and the shifting of existing utilities. As of August 2024, the district collector had initiated the land acquisition process, and the Railways is working on utility relocation for the project.

Right to Fair Compensation

An MRVC spokesperson stated that land acquisition compensation is being handled strictly in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. "The competent authority, appointed by the district collector, assesses and determines the compensation. MRVC's role is limited to depositing the compensation with the revenue authorities and handling project implementation, coordination, and land demarcation," he told mid-day.

"The compensation is determined in coordination with the sub-divisional office of the local collectorate, using a defined set of criteria. These include the market value of the land, the average sale price for similar land in the nearest village or vicinity, and the consented amount under provisions for private companies or PPP projects - whichever is higher," an official added.

Compensation details

Property Type: Flat
>> Compensation offered by Railways (per sq ft): Rs 2,474 (Rs 26,620 per sq m)
>> Fair market rate (per sq ft): Rs 8500 to Rs 10,000
>> Ready reckoner rate (per sq ft): Rs 5967 (Rs 64,200 per sq m)

Property type: Shop
>> Compensation offered by Railways (per sq ft): Rs 2474 (Rs 26,620 per sq m)
>> Fair market rate (per sq ft): Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000
>> Ready reckoner rate (per sq ft): Rs 7323 (Rs 78,800 per sq m)