<div>To fast-track the construction of transmission lines, the power ministry has proposed a compensation rate of 85 per cent of the value of land acquired for its fulfilment.</div><div> </div><div>Issuing guidelines for the payment of compensation for damages on the right of way, the ministry says that this land value will be determined by the district magistrate or the relevant authority. The percentage of compensation will be based on circle or other applicable rates for the tower base are which is impacted as a consequence of the erection of a pylon structure.</div><div> </div><div>Additionally, compensation up to 15 per cent of the land’s value will be paid towards its diminution in the width of an ROW corridor for the laying of transmission lines and the imposition of certain restrictions.</div><div> </div><div>Based on the categorisation of the land in question, the states will have the authority to decide the compensation.</div><div> </div><div>However, this compensation will only be available for transmission lines which are supported by a tower base of 66 kilowatts and more. Transmission lines below this stipulated figure, as well as sub-transmission lines, are completely excluded from the ambit of these guidelines.</div><div> </div><div>These guidelines have been framed based on a report that had been submitted by a committee headed by the special secretary of the power ministry. </div><div> </div><div>This report recognised that the Power Grid Corporation of India and states faced various difficulties the construction of transmission lines primarily because of issues related to the right of way. There is stiff opposition by landowners who have been demanding larger sums of compensation. The primary reason for this demand is that the land below towers and under the corridor invariably diminishes in value.</div>
