Prayagraj: The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) is set to transfer around 17,000 square metres of land to the Army in lieu of nearly 11,000 square metres acquired for the construction of the Hanuman Temple corridor at the Sangam, after receiving approval from the state govt. The move is expected to clear a major hurdle in the execution of the ambitious corridor project.The Hanuman temple corridor project required a portion of Army land in the Sangam area. Following discussions between the Army and the authorities concerned, it was decided that the defence land would be exchanged with an alternative parcel owned by the PDA. As per the arrangement, the authority will now allot approximately 17,000 square metres of land in the Jahnvipuram Housing Scheme near Nehru Park to the Army, around 6,000 square metres more than the land acquired for the corridor.Officials said the value of the Army land taken for the corridor has been estimated at Rs 32 crore, and the alternative land being transferred has been assessed at the same value. The valuation of both parcels was carried out on the basis of the district magistrate’s circle rates to ensure parity in the exchange.The issue of providing alternative land to the Army remained unresolved for nearly one-and-a-half years. Although the proposed land parcel had been identified earlier, the transfer could not be completed due to the absence of approval from the state govt. The delay also affected the progress of the Hanuman Temple Corridor, with the Army reportedly halting construction work on at least one occasion until the matter was resolved.With the govt now granting the necessary permission, the PDA has initiated the process of transferring the land. PDA officials said that the valuation of both land parcels was carried out in accordance with the district magistrate’s notified circle rates. The clearance is expected to facilitate the smooth execution of the Hanuman temple corridor, one of the key infrastructure projects being developed in the Sangam area.
