‘Destruction For Development?’ Farmers Of 17 Villages Protest Land Acquisition For Gondal-Hirasar Six-Lane Highway

Farmers from 17 villages have launched a protest against the proposed acquisition of land for the Gondal-Hirasar Greenfield Six-Lane Highway, alleging that the planned alignment would take away large stretches of private agricultural land instead of making maximum use of available government wasteland.

The protest was organised under the banner of the Magharwada Gram Panchayat after the process was initiated to acquire land for the proposed greenfield highway project. Villagers have submitted a representation demanding details of the land acquisition plan, compensation, the number of affected farmers and rehabilitation measures before the process moves forward.

Farmers Fear Loss Of Livelihood

In its representation, the Magharwada Gram Panchayat said large-scale acquisition of agricultural land had created concern and resentment among farmers, particularly small and marginal landholders whose primary source of livelihood is farming.

The villagers said the loss of their land could leave several families without a sustainable source of income unless proper compensation and rehabilitation measures are ensured.

They have demanded that authorities reconsider the highway alignment and reduce the acquisition of private agricultural land by making greater use of government wasteland wherever possible.

Protest Follows July 10 Land Acquisition Move

The objections relate to the land acquisition process initiated after a July 10 notification.

According to the details cited by the villagers, the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India sent land details and revenue records, based on information provided by the DPR consultant for the six-lane greenfield Rajkot bypass project on National Highway 27, to the Special Land Acquisition Officer in Rajkot for verification.

The verification is expected to be followed by further steps towards the acquisition of land required for the project.

The villagers have demanded that the authorities publicly disclose how many farmers will be affected, the basis for calculating compensation and the rehabilitation arrangements proposed for families facing displacement or loss of livelihood.

Demand For Public Consultation Before Acquisition

The protesting villagers have also sought consultations with Gram Panchayats and the public before any further action is taken.

They have demanded that their objections be formally heard and that the land acquisition process be put on hold until all concerns are addressed and the required details are provided in writing.

The farmers have also questioned the proposed alignment, alleging that it would result in the acquisition of more private land than necessary.

Village-Wise Land Proposed For Acquisition

Rajkot Taluka

Kotda Sangani Taluka

Gondal Taluka

The supplied details put the overall proposed acquisition at 388 hectares, although the individual village-wise figures listed above total approximately 381.024 hectares, indicating a difference of around 6.976 hectares that may require clarification from the authorities.

Pasture, Forest And Railway Land Also Involved

The land acquisition details also include non-private land in some villages.

Of the proposed land, 2 hectares in Kathrota and 6 hectares in Rajpara are identified as pasture land. The land listed in Ardoi includes railway and forest land, while the proposed acquisition in Naranka includes portions of pasture and forest land.

The farmers have demanded greater clarity on the exact classification of land proposed to be acquired and have urged authorities to minimise the loss of private agricultural holdings while finalising the highway alignment.