NEW DELHI: Aiming to expedite transmission projects, power ministry has issued fresh guidelines for determining compensation to landowners for laying inter-state transmission lines, fixing separate rates for the Right of Way (RoW) corridor and land used for tower foundations.Nearly 50GW of renewable energy projects are estimated to be delayed due to the lack of inter-state transmission connectivity needed to evacuate clean electricity. Ratings agency ICRA had also pointed out in July that transmission projects faced significant execution challenges related to land acquisition and RoW issues, leading to delays and grid curtailment. It estimated Rs 5-6 lakh crore of capital expenditure in the sector over the next five years.In a report tabled in Parliament last year, the parliamentary standing committee on energy had pointed out that issues related to RoW compensation, land acquisition and delays in environmental clearances were among the major hurdles in laying transmission lines.Officials said the guidelines will apply to transmission lines of 66 kV and above, unless a state govt has already notified its own compensation policy. The guidelines are aimed at bringing uniformity in compensation for landowners affected by transmission projects.As per the guidelines, compensation will be based on the prevailing market value of land determined by a market rate committee headed by the district magistrate or deputy commissioner. This will apply in cases where the market value of land is lower than the prevailing circle rate. The committee will include officials from the revenue department, the sub-divisional magistrate, an administrative representative and representatives of the local civic body.
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The guidelines also prescribe a mechanism to determine market value where there are disputes. The committee will appoint three valuers selected from a list available through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, with valuation carried out along the transmission line alignment. Provisions have also been made for the committee to settle grievances relating to land rates.