Hundreds of Farmers March in Morbi, Submit Memorandum Backed by 365 Villages Over Power Line Issue

Morbi: Even after the state government announced a hike in compensation for farmers affected by power poles and high-tension line projects, the farmers continue their protest against the installation of transmission lines by private companies. On Tuesday, the farmers launched another phase of their protest with a massive rally in Morbi. The latest phase of the movement comes after a 19-day hunger strike at Jetpar.

Thousands of farmers participated in the rally, which began in Mahendranagar in Morbi. The protesters later marched to the District Collector’s office and submitted a memorandum backed by resolutions passed in Gram Sabhas of around 365 villages. The memorandum states that the agitation will continue until the government accepts the farmers’ demands.

Speaking after the rally, Farmers’ Agitation Committee leader Nehul Amrutia said the memorandum was prepared after consulting farmers from across Gujarat. He claimed that Gram Panchayats from 365 villages have opposed the state’s new compensation circular and have formally conveyed their objections to the district administration.

The farmers have proposed three alternative compensation models. Under the first proposal, they have sought compensation equal to 400% of the market value for land used for transmission towers, instead of the current 200%. For the transmission corridor, they have demanded compensation at 260% of the market value, with a uniform rate for rural, municipal, and municipal corporation areas.

The second proposal seeks compensation at four times the market value for both towers and transmission lines in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

Under the third proposal, the farmers have demanded that the District Collector facilitate discussions between the affected landowners and the companies to determine a fair land rental amount under the Works of Licensees Rules, 2006.

Apart from these three key demands, the memorandum also includes around 22 to 25 additional demands related to the protection of farmers’ interests. DeshGujarat