Mumbai, March 28 (NationPress) In a significant step towards resolving longstanding land acquisition issues associated with National Highway projects, the Central government has appointed 57 new arbitrators in Maharashtra.

This initiative aims to address over 28,000 pending compensation claims from individuals affected by these projects, many of whom have been awaiting their due payments for several years.

Maharashtra's Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced this development on Saturday, stating that he initiated this effort under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to protect farmers' interests.

Minister Bawankule remarked, "Following a series of collaborative discussions between the state and Central governments, including talks with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for Road Transport and Highways, we have finalized these appointments after thorough regional case evaluations and persistent follow-ups."

He emphasized that while numerous projects by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are currently in progress across the state, nearly 28,000 cases concerning enhanced compensation have been delayed in arbitration.

Some claims have been unresolved for over three years, he noted.

Highlighting the importance of transparency and the rights of affected individuals, Minister Bawankule expressed the necessity for independent arbitrators to facilitate prompt hearings.

As a result, 57 seasoned officials from the ranks of Additional Commissioner and Additional Collector have been designated as arbitrators throughout Maharashtra.

These officials will function across various regions, including Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati, and Nagpur. The Revenue Department has directed District Collectors to organize meetings with NHAI Project Directors and Land Acquisition Officers to allocate pending cases to these newly appointed arbitrators. For administrative efficiency, all claims related to a single award will be assigned to the same arbitrator, as per Minister Bawankule's statement.

Furthermore, to maintain process efficiency, Divisional Commissioners have been tasked with conducting monthly evaluations of the arbitrators' performance.

The NHAI will also provide the necessary funding for staffing and operational costs to prevent any logistical challenges in the judicial process.

Minister Bawankule concluded, "Delays in compensation for farmers often stem from pending land acquisition claims, which also hinder project timelines. Acknowledging the seriousness of this issue, we engaged with the Central government. With the appointment of these 57 new arbitrators, we anticipate resolving these 28,000 pending cases within a set timeframe. This decision from the Revenue Department will not only clear long-standing disputes but will also ensure timely compensation for individuals affected by the projects, thereby propelling the state's development forward."