Officials forced to shelve plans to acquire farmlands
The Narendra Modi government’s plan in Gujarat to acquire some 8,000 hectare farm of seven villages from Sanand Taluka to establish industrial estates has hit a roadblock. Farmers in this region are opposing the officials’ move, spearheading a movement against the land acquisition.
In protest they withdrew their children from the government-run schools. Besides, they opposed polio vaccination programme in their villages. Last year in Mahuva (in Saurashtra) some farmers had opposed the government move to acquire lands for Nirma industrial estate, but all in vain. However, this time the agitation had such an impact on the state government that its officials shelved the project for the time being. The farmers are thrilled with their success. Some villagers are of the opinion that this would encourage farmers in other parts of the state to stop the government from acquiring their agriculture lands.
Unhappy with the development, senior government officials argue that the purpose is to industrialise the state. Citing statistics they say that 50 per cent of farmers’ contribution to state’s development is only 16 per cent whereas 16 per cent industries contribute 32 per cent. But the farmers say that acquisition of farm lands for industrial purpose should be stopped. Dilip Rathod, a farmer from Hirapur village of Sanand says: “I have 70 acres agriculture land and most of the farmers cultivate wheat and rice. We are forced to get labours from Chhota Udaypur and Panchmahal. The government wants to acquire my land for establishing industry. But I am resisting it. After my land is gone I will lose my livelihood.” Some 22,000 farmers from Hirapur, Kunwar, Gokulpur, Rasilapur, Bod, Siawada and Charal are facing the same problem.
They have decided not to surrender their lands to the government. Even after Sanand collector Harit Shukla assured them that their lands would not be acquired forcefully the farmers are apprehensive. Social worker Bharatsingh Zala says: “Seventy per cent of state’s industrial development areas are closed. Industrial areas like Naroda and Vatva are deserted. The locals have no jobs. Instead of fixing up this problem the government is planning another industrial hub in the region. If it goes ahead with its plan then many locals will be unemployed.” The locals suspect the government’s move to acquire the land in Mahuva. Human rights activist Jignesh Mevani says: “In fact the government has built RCC barriers to prevent salination of the fertile land. The purpose is to boost agriculture in the state. Shockingly, the government allotted these fertile lands to Nirma Industrial House in Kalsar, Naip, Vangar, Pathiyarka, Gunjarda, Dodia, Madhiya, Dhudheri and Dudhara villages without discussing the issue with the farmers.”
However, the government says that Nirma Plant will have not impact on farmers and the fertile land. Above all, officials have claimed that chances are high that the government may go ahead with its visionary plan to develop Sanand-Rajkot corridor.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009
The Narendra Modi government’s plan in Gujarat to acquire some 8,000 hectare farm of seven villages from Sanand Taluka to establish industrial estates has hit a roadblock. Farmers in this region are opposing the officials’ move, spearheading a movement against the land acquisition.
In protest they withdrew their children from the government-run schools. Besides, they opposed polio vaccination programme in their villages. Last year in Mahuva (in Saurashtra) some farmers had opposed the government move to acquire lands for Nirma industrial estate, but all in vain. However, this time the agitation had such an impact on the state government that its officials shelved the project for the time being. The farmers are thrilled with their success. Some villagers are of the opinion that this would encourage farmers in other parts of the state to stop the government from acquiring their agriculture lands.
Unhappy with the development, senior government officials argue that the purpose is to industrialise the state. Citing statistics they say that 50 per cent of farmers’ contribution to state’s development is only 16 per cent whereas 16 per cent industries contribute 32 per cent. But the farmers say that acquisition of farm lands for industrial purpose should be stopped. Dilip Rathod, a farmer from Hirapur village of Sanand says: “I have 70 acres agriculture land and most of the farmers cultivate wheat and rice. We are forced to get labours from Chhota Udaypur and Panchmahal. The government wants to acquire my land for establishing industry. But I am resisting it. After my land is gone I will lose my livelihood.” Some 22,000 farmers from Hirapur, Kunwar, Gokulpur, Rasilapur, Bod, Siawada and Charal are facing the same problem.
They have decided not to surrender their lands to the government. Even after Sanand collector Harit Shukla assured them that their lands would not be acquired forcefully the farmers are apprehensive. Social worker Bharatsingh Zala says: “Seventy per cent of state’s industrial development areas are closed. Industrial areas like Naroda and Vatva are deserted. The locals have no jobs. Instead of fixing up this problem the government is planning another industrial hub in the region. If it goes ahead with its plan then many locals will be unemployed.” The locals suspect the government’s move to acquire the land in Mahuva. Human rights activist Jignesh Mevani says: “In fact the government has built RCC barriers to prevent salination of the fertile land. The purpose is to boost agriculture in the state. Shockingly, the government allotted these fertile lands to Nirma Industrial House in Kalsar, Naip, Vangar, Pathiyarka, Gunjarda, Dodia, Madhiya, Dhudheri and Dudhara villages without discussing the issue with the farmers.”
However, the government says that Nirma Plant will have not impact on farmers and the fertile land. Above all, officials have claimed that chances are high that the government may go ahead with its visionary plan to develop Sanand-Rajkot corridor.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009
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