Urgent — Land Acquisition Crisis
Chula Ghar Land Acquisition and Relocation Task Force
A special autonomous task force committee established to manage the legal, technical, and administrative processes of acquiring the Chula Ghar land under the San Tin Technopole Phase 2 development, to ensure fair compensation, and to arrange a new location for the Kirat Rai community.
Background and Objectives
Background, Need for the Committee, and Objectives
Under the San Tin Technopole development project of the Hong Kong Government, the cultural and religious center of Kirat Rai Yayokkha Hong Kong, “Chula Ghar” (Lot No. 2095, D.D. 102), has come under land acquisition. This committee will be the most important mechanism to ensure the future of KRAHK. It will regularly report progress to the full task force, which includes the Rent Committee, Custodian Committee, Advisory Committee, and Language Council.
Compensation Management
Maximize and ensure just claims for compensation from the Hong Kong Government for the compulsory land acquisition of Chula House under the San Tin Technopole project. This includes identifying statutory claims under the Lands Resumption Ordinance (Cap. 124) and voluntary ex-gratia payments, preparing comprehensive, evidence-based financial claims covering market value, reconstruction costs, cultural and religious damages, and disruptions to community activities.
Search for a New Location
Secure a suitable new location where the Kiraat Rai community's cultural and religious life can continue after land acquisition. The process involves obtaining land at preferential rates through Private Treaty Grant (PTG), leveraging KRAHK's Section 88 Charity registration and community status to seek policy support from the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), and collaborating with the Lands Department to identify an appropriate site.
विशेषज्ञ सञ्चालन
Timely appointment and management of qualified external experts necessary to protect KRAHK's interests in the land acquisition process. This includes engaging Chartered Surveyors for independent valuation, legal experts for legal advice, architects, and technical specialists, and managing their reports and fees to ensure claims are technically sound and legally robust.
Cultural Preservation
Ensure the safe, respectful, and ritualistic transfer of all sacred and cultural artifacts within Chula House, especially the Chula (ancestral altar), Rai Chakule's statues, and religious materials. This involves conducting proper ceremonies under Kubimi (religious authority) guidance, selecting a site that meets religious requirements, and maintaining spiritual and cultural integrity during the relocation process.
Structure
Committee Members
KRAHK will appoint a Coordinator, who will recommend other officers. Responsibilities will be assigned upon approval by KRAHK. Under the San Tin Technopole development project of the Hong Kong Government, the cultural and religious center of Kirat Rai Yayokkha Hong Kong, “Chula Ghar” (Lot No. 2095, D.D. 102), has come under land acquisition. This committee will be the most important mechanism to ensure the future of KRAHK. It will regularly report progress to the full task force, which includes the Rent Committee, Custodian Committee, Advisory Committee, and Language Council.
Shashi Madan Rai
Coordinator: Leads, coordinates, plans, and implements all activities related to the Chula Ghar land acquisition. Acts as the primary point of contact with government bodies, especially the Lands Department, HYAB, and San Tin Technopole authorities.
Harichandra Rai
Directly assists the Coordinator, manages continuity of processes in their absence, coordinates between technical and legal teams, and prepares reports, meeting agendas, and internal communications.
Hazen Rai
Coordinator: Leads, coordinates, plans, and implements all activities related to the Chula Ghar land acquisition. Acts as the primary point of contact with government bodies, especially the Lands Department, HYAB, and San Tin Technopole authorities.
Vacant
Assists the Head of Finance and Compensation in preparing all financial claims, coordinating fundraising activities, and supporting the financial management of the task force.
Rajin Rai
Government and Public Relations Officer: Maintains continuous liaison with Hong Kong government departments, represents KRAHK in official meetings, and oversees official correspondence, applications, and progress reports, particularly related to PTG.
Vacant
Cultural and Religious Advisor: Provides spiritual and cultural guidance, ensures proper rituals for the relocation of religious artifacts, and maintains religious and cultural traditions throughout the relocation process.
Vacant
Evidence Coordinator: Manages the collection, organization, and preservation of all evidence supporting the Chula Ghar land acquisition and relocation, including documents, photos, videos, and statements. Collects legal and historical records, documents the site and artifacts in detail, gathers community testimonies, and securely archives all materials. Verifies authenticity, supports legal processes, and regularly reports progress to the task force, ensuring reliable and well-organized evidence for claims, negotiations, and decisions.
Vacant
Legal and Technical Advisor: External legal experts with knowledge of Hong Kong land law and property rights, responsible for providing advice on legal protection, analysis of legal documents, and guidance on legal remedies.
Action Plan
Phased Action Plan
Phase 1
Preliminary Preparation and Appointment of Experts
- Appoint a registered conveyancing solicitor experienced in land resumption
- Collect documents: purchase agreement, land registry, charity registration certificates
- Appoint a registered conveyancing solicitor experienced in land resumption
Phase 2
Compensation Claims and Negotiations
- Evaluate market value and structure value through surveyors
- Analyze government's ex-gratia offers
- Prepare statutory claims for potential legal proceedings if offers are inadequat
Phase 3
New Location Strategy
- Engage HYAB for policy support using KRAHK's charity status
- Identify potential land in Northern Metropolis or other suitable areas in collaboration with Lands Department
- Develop preliminary designs and feasibility studies for the new Chula House
Phase 4
Safe Relocation
- Arrange temporary facilities, offices, and worship spaces until the new building is ready
- Conduct religious ceremonies under Kubimi guidance to transfer sacred objects appropriately
