'Govt paid Rs 1,253 cr to residents affected by Ayodhya Dham development'

A total of Rs 1,253.06 crore was paid as compensation to the residents affected by the various construction works for developing Ayodhya Dham, the district administration said on Tuesday, apparently countering claims that there was discontent among the affected people over the issue. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ayodhya's District Magistrate Nitish Kumar said the beautification and widening of various major roads and paths had been done by coordinating with the shopkeepers, building owners and landowners from both sides of the road to make the traffic and movement facilities in Ayodhya modern and smooth. It said the affected people were rehabilitated as per rules and provided ex-gratia amount ('anugraha dhanrashi') and compensation He said that 4,616 shopkeepers were affected due to the beautification and widening of Rampath, Bhaktipath, Ram Janmabhoomi Path and Panchkosi and Chaudahkosi Parikrama Marg. Out of these, 4,215 shopkeepers/traders whose shops "were partially affec