Allege firm cheated in compensation against land
The villagers of Kukurkhai, Bandhpali, Thalbandh, Katapali and Sargipali have demanded action against authorities of a solar plant for cheating.
The plant at Kukarkhai village of Mahalei gram panchayat of Deogaon block cheated the farmers in providing compensation for their land acquired for the company. Besides, the villagers alleged that the firm cut trees without permission of the Forest Department.
In a petition submitted to the district Collector, Balangir, the villagers pointed out that the solar company, Vento, promised to provide Rs 5 lakh per acre of land but gave less than Rs 2 lakh. “When we demanded rest of the money, the company official did not listen to our grievance. They have even registered our land in the company’s name even though the villagers were not paid full amount,” they said.
The company officials also promised to provide Rs 10,000 per Sal tree and Rs 5,000 per Mahul tree to cut them. But no payment was made.
Many other trees were cut randomly, they told the district Collector.