Centre Unveils New Compensation Rules for Landowners Affected by Power Transmission Projects – EQ
In Short : The Centre has issued new guidelines for compensating landowners affected by transmission lines (66 kV and above). Compensation for tower base land is now 200% of its value, and 30% for the Right of Way. Payments will be upfront and digital. States must comply or issue their own rules, ensuring fair payouts and smoother project execution.
In Detail : The central government has issued new guidelines to streamline compensation for landowners affected by the installation of high-voltage transmission lines (66 kV and above). These rules aim to resolve disputes, ensure fair payouts, and speed up the execution of crucial power transmission projects across the country.
As per the new rules, landowners will receive 200% of the land value for the area occupied by the tower base. This marks a significant jump from the earlier 80%, covering the area within the tower’s four legs along with an additional one-meter extension on all sides.
For the Right of Way (RoW) corridor, landowners are now entitled to 30% of the land value, which is double the previous compensation rate. This ensures better financial support for landowners whose land remains under the transmission corridor but is not completely acquired.
The compensation will be determined based on the circle rate or the market rate, whichever is higher, as certified by the District Magistrate or the District Collector. This provision is aimed at making the compensation process more transparent and fair.
The amount will be paid upfront as a one-time payment, preferably through digital modes like Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) or UPI. This is expected to ensure efficient, timely, and hassle-free transactions directly to landowners.
States and Union Territories have been asked to comply with these guidelines or frame their own. However, in the absence of state-specific rules, the central guidelines will apply. States can also choose to offer higher compensation based on local needs and project urgency.
