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There is a lot of land in Sriperumbudur/ Sriperumbuthur on the Chennai to Bangalore Highway which is being acquired by the Tamil Nadu Goverment SIPCOT agency, in order to hand over to large Indian and Multi national companies. Apart from this there is large contiguous area being planned for takeover by the airports authority for their new Greenfield International Airport. Therefore buying land anywhere within 20km radius of the Rajiv Gandhi memorial is fraught with risk, because even if a property is not earmarked for acquisition today... it could be tomorrow!! On the other hand this place which is just 30 kms or so from Chennai is one of the fastest developing area in the World. That's right! It has been acknowledged as a future competitor to the fastest developing areas of China. Nokia, Dell, Hyundai, Flexitronics, Foxconn and numerous other international brands are already there. Obviously those who possess land here are lucky and should fight to hold on to it.
Unfortunately we Middle class Indians have very little back bone. Our land is being acquired by the Govt agencies for ridiculous low prices. Plot owners in Orgadum village, Sriperumbudur were paid between Rs40/sft to Rs.105/sft for land in approved layouts. Unapproved and agricultural land fetched even less. And Rs.105 was paid only for prime roadside plots. The real market value is currently over Rs.500 per sft. Anyone who knows about the current cost of real estate in Tamil Nadu will agree with me that these poor land owners were simply cheated out of their hard earned money. They have not only been deprived of their chance to benefit from the fantastic future development of the area, but have also been given such a paltry compensation that they can never dream of investing in any equivalent land with the proceeds. To add insult to injury, the compensation was paid to them AFTER deduction of tax at highest rate. the Government claims that it needs the land to attract Industries into the state. Those companies are lining up to set up shop here. That they are subsidizing the actual cost of SEZ land and giving it over to industrialists cheap, in addition to handing out all the tax sops and benefits to them. That's all very fine and more grease to the Government’s elbows, provided they are meeting these expenses wholly from their own development funds. Unfortunately, that's a lie. It's the poor original plot owners and farmers who actually bear the cost. It is they who are actually bearing the brunt of the subsidization. The cheap land handed out is actually at the expense of their sweat and tears! It is at the expense of their's and their children’s futures. Just imagine the plight of a man who has purchased some plots of land in a DTP sanctioned residential layout 15 years ago with foresight, in say Pillaipakkam Village, Sriperumbudur. He has dreamed of building his own home there once he nears retirement, and once the area develops. Now he sees that his plans will soon be fulfilled, since the area has now entered the phase of rapid development. In fact land prices are so high everywhere that he is glad that he made that far sighted decision all those years back, because now there is no chance of his buying land anywhere in and around Chennai, even if he works another two lifetimes, on his present salary. In fact construction costs have also gone up to over Rs1000/sft, but he can always manage by selling off part of his land at the current rates (over Rs.800 per SFT in Pilliapakkam Tambaram Road layouts) to finance construction. Suddenly retirement looks good, and life happy. Then suddenly he gets a letter from the collectorate asking him menacingly whether he has any objection to his land being taken over. Everyone who knows these things advises him that any objection he makes will meet it's fate in the dustbin. He will be called for some bogus "enquiry" meetings and then, if he is smart, he should accept the paltry "compensation" (which will be determined at a later stage after you have already given up the fight) else he will be ignored and his land will ultimately be taken over anyway. The man's entire life thus is ruined, all for the so called development of the state. He is not even appreciated by that state to which he is forced to sacrifice, else why is he being taxed on even the meager amounts given to him?? Is this fair? Aren't the real beneficiaries of this legalized land grabbing (SEZ) only the already rich industrialists and the politically connected land owners whose land is strategically placed outside the purview of these acquisitions??
Think about this...is it not your right to own land as a citizen? If you allow this to happen to others, maybe tomorrow it will be your turn also. If the TN Government can give free TV sets to half the population, can it not give a fair compensation to the land owners, based on a price determined by an independent body?? Our good Indian citizens will never stand in the way of progress, but why should they be taken for a ride? Compensate them generously so that they can go on with their lives and live in peace. It is the government's mistake and lack of planning not to have taken over these lands 15 years ago when they decided to develop satellite towns around Chennai city. Then they could have paid much less to the farmers who were willing to sell to the private developers at the time, and would have caused much less damage. Now after this land has changed hands over the years and been developed into residential plots by numerous far sighted people , they can not just waltz in one fine day and take it over to simply gift it to the already privileged. There is hope if we take a stand. See what happened when the affected persons around the current Chennai airport took a determined fight to the authorities. The Government had to back down. So if your land in Pillaipakkam or elsewhere is under acquisition make your voice heard, and fight to ensure that you are well compensated.


UPDATE APRIL 2008

On 18th April 2008 a notice has been sent out to the land owners to surrender the land to the Tahsildhar in Sriperumbudur within a month. No mention of any quantum of compensation or any option of appeal. That means that the previous step/meeting of asking for objection etc was simply a eyewash. The TN Govt can simply confiscate any land be it agric or approved housing plots. They need not negotiate any price with the owners. They can simply hand over the same to their chosen blue eyed rich industrialists at a [/color]nice price, well below market value. The Govt and it’s partners are thus looking at hugh gains from day one, at the expense of the gullible public. This type of land acquisition is ilegal. inhuman, undemocratic and anti-people whichever way you look at it. Even China has a much more organized and fair method of land acquisition. The TN Govt is acting like a banana republic and trampling on the peoples basic human rights. This kind of "development" is short sighted and can never lead to real progress in Nation building, since the helmsmen are emotionally and mentally bankrupt. In April 08 there was a BBC news item on this very issue of the way in which SEZs are being set up at the expense of basic human right of individuals to own their land. This particular method is not practiced in any other democratic and modern republic. According to BBC report -Case has been filed in Supreme court on behalf of land owners. It is only a matter of time before the Government will be forced to change it's misguided methods. Those who fight and hold on to their god given land, will eventually win as happened in the case of ULC acquisitions which the government eventually was forced to abandon. Land owners who gave up easily- lost their land. Those who filed cases finally reaped their just rewards. This must be why the TN Government is in a hurry to grab as much as possible before the tide changes in favor of the suppressed plot owners and farmers .

Hi,

I own a plot of land in Vinodh Town Part IV. Since, I had purchased the land from VGP some ten years ago, the address given in the registration form and property deed is different from the one I reside in now. Please let me know how to ascertain, whether the said property is under acquisition or not. Second, if it is under acquisition, then what are the means to get a fair compensation or how to stymie the 'unfair' acquisition.

Regards,

Chandru

Hi,

The latest update is that SIPCOT has identified Vinoth Town Plots for acquisition and that it is now difficult to obtain a Patta. This is through my source in Sriperumbudur. However, I need to reconfirm this. Is it true? When I see the SIPCOT plan for Sriperumbudur posted on their site, I see that Vinoth Town does not form part of it. I need to know the exact status. Will it be possible for you to identify and revert on this? This is a key issue affecting all property owners in VGP's Vinoth Town in Sriperumbudur

Hello Everyone,

I own land in both Vinodh town IV A and Santhosapuram III. I purchased this 11 years ago from VGP.

I just happen to know about the land acquisition by the TN govt.

Can someone please let me know the following:

1. Where to find out if my land is part of the govt acquisition?
2. What are the options we have if the land is part of the govt acquisition?

Thanks

Hi,

When I checked with the tahsildar for Sriperumbudur at Sipcot's Egmore Office, he mentioned that the land was acquired. [hide]However, the speed with which he reverted led me to doubt the veracity of his statement. I then checked through a source in the land registrar's office for that area and they mentioned that no transfer is yet visible for the mentioned survey no. (My plot is in Vinoth Town IV) and that it might take another 15 days or so before things become clear. That was 15 days ago. I plan to check back next week (starting June 2nd 2008). Will let this forum know if there are any development. I also dropped a mail to the Collector of Kanchipuram District (under whose jurisdiction Sriperumbudur falls) but have not received any reply till date.

After checking with various experts on what recourse we might have, in case the land is acquired, the only recourse to get a fair and decent compensation it seems is by public pressure. So unless we unite in great numbers, there is very little chance (except of course divine intervention!) of getting a fair deal from the government.

Hi,

When I checked with the tahsildar for Sriperumbudur at Sipcot's Egmore Office, he mentioned that the land was acquired. [hide]However, the speed with which he reverted led me to doubt the veracity of his statement. I then checked through a source in the land registrar's office for that area and they mentioned that no transfer is yet visible for the mentioned survey no. (My plot is in Vinoth Town IV) and that it might take another 15 days or so before things become clear. That was 15 days ago. I plan to check back next week (starting June 2nd 2008). Will let this forum know if there are any development. I also dropped a mail to the Collector of Kanchipuram District (under whose jurisdiction Sriperumbudur falls) but have not received any reply till date.

After checking with various experts on what recourse we might have, in case the land is acquired, the only recourse to get a fair and decent compensation it seems is by public pressure. So unless we unite in great numbers, there is very little chance (except of course divine intervention!) of getting a fair deal from the government.

Thanks Chandru for the information. We shall await your findings in June.

Thanks Chandru for your prompt response. I have also checked with the VGP office in Chennai and they still maintain that although the land has been surveyed with an intent to acquire, no further steps have been taken by the authorities. However, there are rumours of acquisition being spread for an unknown intent. I will wait for your response after your enquiries in June. Many thanks.

Hi!

I am Anthonysamy now at Mumbai, have purchased a plot in VGP Vinoth Town-IV 10 years back. I have come to know that the land near Sriperumbudur are under acquisition by SIPCOT for industrial purposes. Since I am out of Tamilnadu, I have sent emails to SIPCOT and Registration Office at Sriperumbudur inquiring the status of the acquisition, but no reply has been received for more than 3 months. Thereafter, last month I emailed to the Collector, Kancheepuram about the same, but no reply from this office too.

I will appreciate if anyone knows the procedure to file my claim statement with whom, and other procedure let me know. So far no notice has been issued to me.

Thanks and awaiting updates on this subject

Regards
Anthonysamy

Hi Sarvesh,

[hide]I am yet to ascertain for sure that the land i.e Vinoth Town IV has indeed been acquired. If it has, then we will have to approach the collector's office at Kancheepuram. I stay in Bombay and am dependent on local contacts in Chennai for info and help. Once I get confirmed info, will let this forum know on the process.[/hide]

Regards,
Chandru

Hi chandru031,

I am a resident of delhi , a retired banker and have purchased plots along with 2 other collegues in Vinodh Town IV. The registration shows this as VADAKAL village. [hide]I note that village PILLAIPAKKAM also seems to be a part of VINODH TOWN IV. On enquiry from VGP Chennai, the reply is that the survey has een completed and report sent to the govt but latest status not known. 50% chances of acquisition. I have also asked for my friends contacts in Chennai to get the latest.[/hide]

I shall be interested in actively participate in the forum and get all updates to the members of the forum.

Hello Admin,

That's a good suggestion.

The person with whom I had touched base at VGP is Mr.Subramanian & his phone no. is +91-44-2435-7333. Hope admin will liaise with Mr.Subramanian & explain the publicity and benefits, VGP will gain from this.

Expect my sources to revert by the end of this week with some news. Will keep this forum updated.

People have different reasons to fight for this issue. My personal agenda is not just the value of the plot (in monetary terms) but the sheer audacity and injustice at being treated like insignificant beings!

Request more and more members to unite and fight through this forum. The local government cannot treat middle class households as their doormats. Unless we grow large in no, the powers that be will not hear our voice. Please spread this message!

Best Regards to all affected citizens!

I have sent an invite email to their corporate office. Lets hope rep from VGP will be joining us soon.

chandru031 Wrote:Hi,

When I checked with the tahsildar for Sriperumbudur at Sipcot's Egmore Office, he mentioned that the land was acquired.

Which are the survey numbers of the plots which he said it was taken over.?

T.V.Sivaraman

Hi,

Why don't we call VGP to help out in this matter as the land was sold to us by them and they have collected maintenance charges from us for not providing any maintenance (no road, no boundary stones on plots and no boards of Plots etc.)? We have to engage an advocate in Chennai to represent us before the concerned authorities and collect full details and represent us before them whenever required. Moreover, we have to take the plot holders' names and their present addresses from VGP to gather ourselves under this forum to fight for our right.

C.Anthonysamy

I agree with Anthonysamy. I suggest we obtain a list of all members (owners of plots in Vinoth Town) and send them a letter, informing them of the status of their property. We can also request them to join this site. We can then form a trust, take a nominal amount from all members and engage a lawyer from Chennai to represent us before SIPCOT or any other Government authority. To assure all members the Trustees can cirulate to the members an account of the amounts collected and spent by the trust.

As regards acquisition, I have checked with VGP and they still maintain that the survey has been done but the property has not been acquired. My source in SIPCOT Land acquisition department, however confirms that the property has been acquired.

We need to pursue this through a lawyer to find out the truth.

Dear Members,

The latest suggestions from Mr.Anthonysamy and Mr. Doraiswamy are excellent. However, before we proceed ahead, I feel we should ascertain for sure that the land has indeed been acquired. There are only 3 authorities who can confirm this a) SIPCOT b) The registrar's office and c) The collector's office at Kancheepuram. Since SIPCOT is an interested party, the veracity of their assertions would leave a lot to be desired. We can believe SIPCOT only if they put up the survey nos of the acquired plots on their website and also publish the amount and procedure of compensation.

If it is indeed confirmed that the plots have been acquired, we will cross the first hurdle and can then proceed to contact plot owners and plan further actions.

Coming to contacting all plot members through the addresses we might get from VGP (provided VGP parts with the same in the first place). In the last 10 years, most people would have shifted residence and we might not be able to reach them through letters. We will then have to rely on other means to reach them (such as through the press).

Once we achieve that goal, the next step would be to strengthen the forum and explore routes to obtain a fair compensation from the government.

On the legal opinion, I have already consulted a few luminairies from the legal fraternity and also a few friends in the press. The unanimous opinion (legal) seem to be that there is very little legal leeway to get a market related compensation and the local collector has a overbearing right or judgement on the amount of compensation. The only way left is to bring about pressure on the government through the press and different forums. I would love to be proved wrong and request other forum members to revert after doing an informal check with their legal contacts and with suggestions on what else we could do to get a fair compensation.

I would suggest other forum members to first try and ascertain the truth about the acquisition and then decide on the next course of action.

Hi,

I go with Mr. Chandru's opinion.

I have spoken to Mr. Subramaniam (PRO) of VGP Chennai on his mobile (09841543054) and inquired about SIPCOT's acquisition of the land. He said the land was not yet acquired by SIPCOT. This is a different answer from Chandru's. Therefore, if any member in this forum resides in Chennai, who can spend his valuable time to help us, we can request him to make a pain to tour SIPCOT, Registrar's office at Sriperumbudur and Collectors office at Kancheepuram to find out the true fact. Mainly who reside outside Chennai are more conscious to know about this. I came to know that the VGP office in Mumbai has sold more than 50 plots in Mumbai residents only so that we can get atleast their addresses from their Mumbai office. The land acquired by SIPCOT for industrial purpose is sold by them for Rs.30 lakhs per acre i.e. for 2400 square feet we will get hardly Rs.1.5 lakhs only i.e. Rs.63 per square foot as against Rs.20/- we paid decades ago. If the land is acquired by SIPCOT, we have to accept their offer because they have paid to others in the surrounding area the same rate or so and we cannot go to the Court against them. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the true material facts to deal with this matter.

I am trying to find some contact in Chennai or Sriperumbudur who would do the work of finding out the facts from Govt. offices as a paid service. Would the members here be interested in this kind of service?

Hello Admin,

I would definitely be interested to avail of such service & I am sure others would too, especially those who stay outside Chennai. Request you to let us know the cost of such service.
[hide]
In the meanwhile, my source has let me know that it would take another 10 days to 15 days to ascertain whether the land under question (Vinodh Town - I to IV) is acquired or not. Seems there are protests building up in this part in opposition to the Airport. I did some search in 'Google' to ascertain the facts but could not come across any protests. However, came across the following article in 'The Hindu', which might be of some us to this forum. The article link is here.
[/hide]
Regards,

Chandru

Compensation Rates Fixed By Tamil Nadu Government
________________________________________
As per the Hindu Newspaper report dated Thursday 17th July 2008 the Tamil Nadu government has finally come out with the rates of compensation to be paid by SIPCOT to plot owners of lands in Pillaipakkam, Vengadu, Navalur and Irumbedu Villages coming under Sriperumbudur village.
See Link:
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/17/s...1759200400.htm

The compensation fixed is between Rs.100/sft to Rs.200/sft max !!

With this amount of compensation the landowners can buy themselves lots of peanuts...they certainly will not be able to purchase any alternate sites for their homes. The Government says that these rates were fixed after considering last land transaction amount and current market value. Since land sales in these areas were frozen quite some time back, there has been no transactions within the relevant past - also the market rate can not be determined except by considering the rates in the areas nearby where land can still be registered. If the current market rates in and around Sriperumbudur are seriously taken into account - then the compensation rates would be in multiples of what the Government is offering. The rates offered are criminally low. The Government is really exploiting the landowners in a most unfair and inhuman way.
In the same day's Hindu there is a report that the Tamil Nadu Housing board will be selling plots in Sriperumbudur soon. Will they be available at the rates that the Govt is offering as compensation? Certainly not if you look at the TNHB record of recent sales in Shollinganallur etc. So the Government can sell to it's citizens at market value, but when it comes to compensating those from whom land has been forceably acquired - it's just a fraction of market price. At least they can have the decency to allot alternative plots through TNHB on preferential basis to these land owners and also exempt them from paying tax on their compensation amounts, which should at least be minimum of twice the current level offered.

All affected people should take a more proactive stand and come together immediately to demand a fairer compensation for ourselves and our families.
Keep monitoring the web for others like yourself and come together!

Thank you Mr. Ramranga. This is quite useful information.

According to the press release of the Kanchipuram Collector's office, private lands in the villages of Pillaipakkam, Vengadu, Navalur and Irmbedu villages are being acquired by SIPCOT for expansion of Irrugattukottai SIPCOT complex.

I delved into this info a bit deeper to find out whether some of the VGP plots come under this (especially my plot which falls under Vinoth Town IV & under Vadakkal village). On the face of it, the said plots under Vadakkal village do not seem to come under the said acquisition. However, I need to triple check before confirming.

How does one check?

Please try these links

http://eservices.tn.gov.in/eservicesnew/...venue.html (Pls input your land details & you can view the patta / chitta extract. One word of caution - Not prudent to completely rely on this check since this might not yet be updated fully)

Alternative check:-

http://www.tnmaps.tn.nic.in/vill.php?dco...erumbudur.
This link takes you to the detailed map of sriperumbudur taluk with all villages in the taluk named and shown with their boundaries. If you are not able to open the link, then search for "map of sriperumbudur taluk vadakal" in 'Google'.

Vadakkal village seems to be away from all the 4 villages mentioned to be acquired.

I am still not convinced that plots in Vadakkal village may be out of the acquisition and members of this board are requested to do their direct verifications. (I have asked my contact person to verify from the registrar office & collector's office directly).

In case any member comes across any other methods of verification or information to the contrary, kindly share with this forum.

Admin: As adequate confirmation, I would still like to engage the services of the person you mentioned. Pls let us know the process / contact details of the person.

Best Regards,
Chandru

ramranga Wrote:Compensation Rates Fixed By Tamil Nadu Government
________________________________________
As per the Hindu Newspaper report dated Thursday 17th July 2008 the Tamil Nadu government has finally come out with the rates of compensation to be paid by SIPCOT to plot owners of lands in Pillaipakkam, Vengadu, Navalur and Irumbedu Villages coming under Sriperumbudur village.
See Link:
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/17/s...1759200400.htm

The compensation fixed is between Rs.100/sft to Rs.200/sft max !!

With this amount of compensation the landowners can buy themselves lots of peanuts...they certainly will not be able to purchase any alternate sites for their homes. The Government says that these rates were fixed after considering last land transaction amount and current market value. Since land sales in these areas were frozen quite some time back, there has been no transactions within the relevant past - also the market rate can not be determined except by considering the rates in the areas nearby where land can still be registered. If the current market rates in and around Sriperumbudur are seriously taken into account - then the compensation rates would be in multiples of what the Government is offering. The rates offered are criminally low. The Government is really exploiting the landowners in a most unfair and inhuman way.
In the same day's Hindu there is a report that the Tamil Nadu Housing board will be selling plots in Sriperumbudur soon. Will they be available at the rates that the Govt is offering as compensation? Certainly not if you look at the TNHB record of recent sales in Shollinganallur etc. So the Government can sell to it's citizens at market value, but when it comes to compensating those from whom land has been forceably acquired - it's just a fraction of market price. At least they can have the decency to allot alternative plots through TNHB on preferential basis to these land owners and also exempt them from paying tax on their compensation amounts, which should at least be minimum of twice the current level offered.

All affected people should take a more proactive stand and come together immediately to demand a fairer compensation for ourselves and our families.
Keep monitoring the web for others like yourself and come together!

Admn.
We have a plot in Rajeswari Nagar, Pillaipakkam village. I am anxious to know the recent developments but I could not open 'Last page' or 'Recent development' in this site. We prefer to retain the land. I want to know whether Rajeswari Nagar comes under land aquisition or not. I feel there are many like me want to protest but do not
have an idea where to approach. My e-mail I.D. is savisundar1981@yahoo.co.in.

Admn,

I am one of the unfortunate owners of a plot in Vinodh town, Part 1 which I bought through a VGP sales campaign in Delhi. Now I am in Chennai and had visited thrice to the spot. When I was in Delhi, I paid Rs 2000 to VGP for getting Patta, but till date the money has not been refunded by the once trusted brand, leave along getting patta, which seems impossible now. Last Saturday I was in Vinodh town to pin point my plot but in vain. The VGP people showed me the plot from distance some ten years ago, when it was full of bushes. Now when I went to identify the plot, I could only find a few stones with numbers. Land grabbers are on prowl to swallow land there. They are the one who spread rumors. I really do not have any concrete evidence about the SIPCOT's plan to takeover our lands in Vadakkal village. Once I went to their office in Sriperumbudur to enquire about the land acquisition. They said the said village has not come under the purview of the first phase of aquisition. May be the govt would consider for the subsequent phase of aquisition, they said. If people from this forum willing , we can group together and petition the Collector, kanchipuram to know the latest details about our land. We can put up a notice board about our finding also on the site, which will help us to get good returns of our land. This will also shoe away the romour mongers. I think, to begin with, VGP Vinodh town plot owners in Chennai should come together and on one weekday, we can plan a trip to Kanchipuram. Anyone interested can contact me at 9384612789 or Mr vaidhyanathan (who owns in phase two and three) at 9840238811.

Mr Sarvesh,
Till February I was a part of media, working with Indian express, chennai. But now i am with an online media organisation. I cannot claim that I have a good contact now in IE as many of my colleagues have left and joined elsewhere. But I can arrange an interview with our plot owners as the library incharge is my best friend, who is also very close to the editor. So, to begin with we can plan an article in New Indian Express. Let me talk to him regarding this and post the contact person's number and his mail ID. A few seniors in this forum can contact the journo for a full story. As a journo, I know for sure that in TN these kind of articles will have nill effect. But at the same time, we should not sit idle also. So, let's try our best and leave the results to god.

Admn,
Today I went to VGP Square, Saidapet, Chennai. To my surprise, I got my Rs 2000 back, given to VGP for applying patta in 2003 when I was in Chandigarh. (of course without interest). I am thankful to one Mr Vijay Gopal there who was instrumental in getting my money back. He still maintains that VGP is in dark regarding the take over crisis. Only the authorised person to speak on this is the SIPCOT's boss. Let's try through some journalistic contact. I am trying throu my contact. Will post the development as soon as something new found on this subject.