The long-stalled four-lane bridge project over Delhi’s Najafgarh Drain is finally set to begin, as the Delhi government this week notified the acquisition of a portion of land for the project.
In a gazette notification, the government announced that it will acquire land in Badusrai village in Matiala tehsil in southwest Delhi to build a four-lane reinforced concrete and cement (RCC) bridge over the Najafgarh Drain.
The bridge project has been stalled for years because the Irrigation and Flood Control Department was unable to acquire a small but crucial piece of land at one end of the bridge.
The project will now be completed by the same Irrigation and Flood Control Department of the National Capital Territory of Delhi government.
The notification, seen by The Tribune and issued by the office of the Secretary (Revenue)-cum-Divisional Commissioner, states that a total of 3 biswa and 2 biswansi acres of agricultural land will be acquired to build a bridge over the Najafgarh Drain at RD (short distance) 14,468 meters. The project aims to strengthen flood control infrastructure and improve road connectivity in the area.
Once completed, the project is expected to benefit the residents of Badusarai, Daurala, Dhansa, Jhuljhuli, Nirmal Dham, Bahadurgarh, and Ghummanhera villages in Najafgarh, as well as Dwarka and other nearby villages in Haryana.
The Delhi government announced the land acquisition under Section 19 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, after completing all necessary procedures.
Officials stated that no objections were received from the affected residents within the stipulated time, allowing the government to proceed with the acquisition process.
It has been learned that the land to be acquired is in the names of Pradeep Kumar, Hemant Kumar, and Pawan Kumar, sons of a man named Jagat Singh and residents of Nanak Heri, New Delhi. Officials clarified today that no families will be displaced due to the acquisition, as the project will affect only a small portion of the land.
Officials stated, “Under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Rules, the affected families will receive a one-time grant of ₹50,000, while the relevant department, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, will bear the stamp duty and registration charges, if any.”
They confirmed that there are no trees or structures on the land, and therefore, no additional compensation is required for such properties.
Official sources said that the detailed plan of the land proposed for acquisition can be viewed on any working day at the office of the Land Acquisition Collector, South-West District, Kapashera.
The notification was signed by Secretary (Revenue)-cum-Divisional Commissioner Neeraj Semwal and issued by order of the Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
