Pune: Court Intervention Clears Path for Rs 26.14 Crore Compensation to Temghar Dam-Affected Farmers

Pune, 31st January 2026: Farmers displaced by the Temghar dam project are finally set to receive long-delayed enhanced land acquisition compensation after decisive intervention by the District and Sessions Court.

The Water Resources Department has deposited Rs 26.14 crore with the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (MKVDC) for payment in 39 pending land acquisition cases. In accordance with court orders, the amount is expected to be placed before the court within the next two days and then directly credited to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries.

Although the court had granted enhanced compensation to project-affected farmers nearly two-and-a-half years ago, payments were repeatedly delayed. Frustrated by non-compliance, the court initiated attachment proceedings twice against the Land Acquisition Office as a coercive measure.

The situation intensified last week when farmers, accompanied by a court bailiff, attempted to execute a seizure order targeting government office property. The move prompted urgent discussions among district officials to prevent further escalation.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi and Land Acquisition Coordinator Dr. Kalyan Pandhare held meetings with MKVDC Executive Director Dr. Hemant Dhumal, who escalated the issue to the Additional Chief Secretary. Following these discussions, the state government agreed to release the pending enhanced compensation within eight days.

Subsequently, the Water Resources Department transferred Rs 26,14,94,880 to MKVDC to facilitate payment in the 39 eligible cases. Officials confirmed that the court-directed deposit process is now underway and nearing completion.

Long Legal Struggle for Farmers-
Despite the earlier court verdict in favour of increased compensation, implementation remained stalled. In August last year, the court had even ordered attachment of property belonging to the Special Land Acquisition Officer due to continued non-payment.

The district administration later submitted a written assurance to deposit the funds within two months, but the deadline passed without action. This led farmers to pursue further legal remedies, ultimately resulting in the current release of funds.