All families in this Arunachal village become crorepatis: Here's how
Five years ago, the 31 families living in Bomja village of Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) had transferred their land to the army. Yesterday, each became a millionaire after the defense ministry finally released Rs. 40.8cr as payment. According to reports, the development has made Bomja one of Asia's richest villages, but officials have refused to confirm it till "we have data on other rich villages."
Army has gone on a land acquisition spree since 1962
The army went on a land acquisition spree in Arunachal after the 1962 Chinese aggression, strengthening their presence in the region. Five years earlier, Bomja residents gave up their land for setting up key units of the army's Tawang Garrison. But long delays in payment had resulted in frustration. Payment of Rs. 54cr was released only last year for land acquired 50 years ago.
Highest amount received by a Bomja household was Rs. 6.73cr
Yesterday, CM Pema Khandu handed over cheques worth Rs. 40.8cr to the 31 family heads in the village of Buddhist Monpas. The household which gave up the most land received Rs. 6.73cr, while another received Rs. 2.45cr. The remaining families got Rs. 1.09cr each. "More such compensation for land acquired for defense purposes is being worked out with the Center," Khandu said.
CM Khandu announces the news on Twitter
'Army, locals need each other at 17,000 ft'
"The Army and local people need each other to survive at 10,000-17,000 ft on the Eastern Himalayas. We hope adequate compensation would further strengthen the bond we enjoy in this part of the country," an army officer said. The Statesman reports that Gujarat's Madhapur and Baladia are India's richest villages, thanks to deposits of NRIs hailing from these regions.
