We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.
The construction of the Biratnagar-Katahari cargo railway, which has been stalled for almost 13 years, is finally showing signs of progress. After the Supreme Court dismissed the case filed by some farmers of Katahari-1, now the way for the construction of the railway line is open.
The full text of the case dismissed by the Supreme Court on October 7 came a few weeks ago. Out of the 119 bighas of land acquired by the government in 2068 for the railway station, the compensation of 5 bighas was stopped due to the dispute. The farmers rejected the compensation amount and filed a case in the Supreme Court demanding revaluation. However, after the court ruled rejecting the demand of the farmers, they have become more confused .
Secretary of Sangharsh Samiti Vishwanath Majhi said, "Our land was valued at 2 lakh rupees per lot". While other nearby land was valued at 1 million. This is extreme discrimination and injustice done to us poor farmers.
Even though the farmers repeatedly discussed with the government to re-evaluate the compensation, no concrete decision could be reached. Although the government has unilaterally deposited the compensation amount in the bank account of the farmers, they have not yet accepted the amount . The valuation of local land was set at a lower value north of the Hulaki Highway, which many farmers said was unfair.
The Indian contractor company Ircon International, which took responsibility for the construction of the railway, stopped the work many times due to obstacles. According to Devraj Chowdhury, Chairman of Kathari Rural Municipality, after the Supreme Court dismissed the case of farmers, there is no obstacle to start this project. "Everything is over". However, the work has not progressed. "I don't know why the work has not progressed," Chowdhury said, "It is necessary to take a serious initiative once again from the central level for the construction of the railway." The industrialist complains that the transport of goods from India has become more expensive due to the failure to build a main station even though the train has been operated up to Nepal-India joint customs checkpoint. This problem has been going on for 13 years. As such projects of national importance cannot be completed on time, there has been a serious impact on the infrastructure development of Nepal.
Even though the government is ready to address the concerns of industrialists, the victims say that it is not right for the government to ignore the voice of the farmers . Farmers demand from the government to advance the railway construction by giving proper compensation .
