Over 75% of Mihan Project-Affected Persons Receive Developed Plots, ₹102 Crore Paid in Lieu of Jobs: Maharashtra CM
Nagpur, March 5, 2026: The Maharashtra government informed the legislative council on Wednesday that the process of handing over developed plots to eligible Mihan project-affected persons (PAPs) in Nagpur district is currently in progress, with over 75% of them having received it . In a written reply, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that over ₹100 crore was paid to 2,048 of the 2,701 project-affected persons in lieu of promised employment .
Land Acquisition Background
The disclosure came in response to a starred question raised by MLCs Krupal Tumane, Manisha Kayande, and Hemant Patil, who noted that around 2,000 hectares of farmland across five villages in Nagpur and Hingna talukas was acquired in 1997 for the Mihan project . Farmers were promised compensation, 12.5% developed plots, and employment at the time of acquisition .
The five villages contributed respectively:
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Kalukhi: 450.50 hectares
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Khapri: 425.57 hectares
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Telhara: 464.74 hectares
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Sumuthana: 108.86 hectares
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Dahegaon: 405.21 hectares
Developed Plot Allotment
For those who opted for developed plots, a township layout of 77.73 hectares was prepared at Sumuthana in Hingna taluka . According to a government letter dated April 1, 2025, out of 360 eligible project-affected persons who opted for 12.5% developed plots, the process of executing lease agreements and handing over plots to those who paid development charges is currently underway .
The government has reduced development charges from ₹140 to ₹50 per square foot, making it easier for oustees to take up the plots, which can fetch market rates as high as ₹4,000 per square foot . The land parcel is located at Chichdbhuvan, close to the project .
Employment Compensation and Reservations
On the employment front, Fadnavis stated that the government is paying ₹5 lakh each to project-affected persons in lieu of jobs under a rehabilitation grant . Out of 2,701 project-affected persons, 2,048 have received ₹5 lakh each, with the total payout amounting to ₹102.48 crore .
The government has also earmarked a 5% reservation for Mihan project-affected persons in all state government job advertisements . Those who did not take the ₹5 lakh cash grant but hold a valid project-affected certificate can apply for government recruitment based on their educational qualifications, experience, and skills .
Training arrangements have been put in place to ensure employment opportunities for local residents with companies operating in MIHAN . Certificates issued to eligible project-affected persons under the 5% job reservation have been made transferable to the next generation .
Project Progress and Investment
The MIHAN project is one of the most important and ambitious projects of the state, with the approved cost estimate now standing at ₹3,994 crore, out of which the government has spent around ₹2,400 crore so far . The amount was approved by the state cabinet recently, with the earlier cost standing at around ₹1,000 crore .
The project has so far generated employment for 1,27,225 people, with 120 companies having invested in the project, including both SEZ and non-SEZ areas . Of these, 90 companies have already commenced operations .
Minister of Information Technology Ashish Shelar stated that the state government has taken a positive approach within the framework of law to address the demands of project-affected persons, providing facilities such as land, compensation, enhanced compensation, house construction expenses, plots, and financial assistance .