THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.26157 of 2010 ORDER: The Government published notification, dated 17.01.2006, under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 proposing to acquire various extents of land of Vegavaram Village, for the purpose of foreshore submersion of Yerrakaluva (since re-named as Vengalaraya Sagar Project). The land of the petitioner to an extent of Ac.1.31 cents was covered by the notification. On a consent given by the petitioner and other individuals, whose lands are covered by the notification, the 2nd respondent passed a consent award, dated 14.05.2006. Compensation @ Rs.1,40,000/-, per acre of land, was awarded. The petitioner states that there existed about 120 coconut trees over his land. In the consent award, the 2nd respondent observed that the compensation for trees would be determined through separate proceedings. The grievance of the petitioner is that though more than four years have elapsed ever since the date of award, the respondents have not taken any steps for determination of the value of the trees that existed on the acquired land. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Government Pleader for Land Acquisition. The land to an extent of Ac.1.31 cents, belonging to the petitioner, was acquired for the purpose of an irrigation project. A consent award was passed on 14.05.2006 by the 2nd respondent. It was only the market value of the land that was determined in the said award. The valuation of trees, bore-wells etc. were dealt with in part of the award. Under that heading, the 2nd respondent observed, the valuation under this item will be worked out and paid separately after the assessment is made by the concerned competent authority.” Obviously, the 2nd respondent was making reference to an Official in the Horticulture Department, who would be conversant with the assessment of the value of trees, etc. The ultimate authority to decide compensation is himself. The process of ascertaining the values should not take this much of time. The trees are very much integral part of the land. In the context of making payment of compensation, there cannot be any justification for the respondents in keeping the matter pending for such a long time. Hence, the Writ Petition is disposed of, directing the respondents to fix the compensation for the trees that existed upon the land acquired from the petitioner through notification dated 17.01.2006, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as costs. _____________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dt.29.01.2011. GJ