Saurashtra Farmers Begin Three-Day Hunger Strike as Power Pole Agitation Intensifies

Farmers across Saurashtra are set to intensify their agitation against the installation of high-tension electricity poles in agricultural fields, with a three-day hunger strike to be held in Paddhari from July 17 to July 19.

The protest comes days after thousands of farmers marched in Morbi demanding amendments to the Gujarat government’s compensation policy for land affected by power transmission infrastructure. The latest action marks a further escalation of a movement that has spread across the region.

Farmers allege that the erection of massive transmission poles in farmland reduces land value, poses safety risks and disrupts cultivation, while the compensation offered remains inadequate.

Three-Day Fast to Be Held in Paddhari

The Farmers’ Rights Protection Committee, Paddhari, said a large number of farmers will participate in the hunger strike near Vasundhara Hotel on the Paddhari bypass road between 10 am and 6 pm each day.

Organisers said the protest is aimed at opposing what they describe as the arbitrary actions of power companies and the government’s compensation policy. They have appealed to farmers to set aside political differences and unite in support of the agitation, adding that the movement will be intensified to safeguard farmers’ interests.

Movement Expands Beyond Jetpar

Although the Gujarat government earlier revised the compensation framework for electricity transmission infrastructure, farmer groups say the changes have not addressed their concerns.

The agitation began in Jetpar village of Morbi, where farmers have been staging a sit-in protest for several months. It has since drawn support from other parts of Saurashtra, with the Paddhari hunger strike marking the latest phase of the region-wide movement.