Kutch Farmers Take KP Energy, ABREL To Collector Over Land Row

KUTCH : A renewable energy project in Kutch has triggered a fresh face-off between farmers and power developers, with Bandiya villagers preparing to approach the district administration and police over alleged unauthorised entry into agricultural land for a 220 KV transmission line.

Gen-Z farmer leader Mayur Khedutputra said farmers from Bandiya village in Abdasa taluka will visit the Kutch-Bhuj District Collector’s office on September 24 before approaching Naliya police station to file a formal complaint against KP Energy Limited and ABREL Projects.

“If they enter even one inch into our farmlands, we will move 100 inches into their offices in Surat and Mumbai,” Khedutputra told TBT.

The dispute centres on alleged installation of towers and wires on private agricultural land belonging to farmer Bhanushali Mahesh Liladhar Khimji. Farmers have alleged that work linked to the 220 KV transmission line began without proper prior notice and assessment of damage.

According to the farmers’ representation, the affected land includes Survey Nos. 638 and 640/1. They have alleged that notices were issued retrospectively after work had already begun.

Farmers have also questioned whether alternative routes through government wasteland, roadsides or canal banks were adequately examined. They fear damage to fertile soil, borewells, drip irrigation systems, trees and pipelines.

“We are farmers and are not afraid of police action or court cases. We are ready for 100 FIRs, but we will not give an inch of our land to corporate companies,” Khedutputra said.

He also said lawyers representing Aditya Birla, KP Energy and ABREL should remain present in Kutch on September 24, adding that the companies had been warned in advance.

KP Energy had disclosed orders from Aditya Birla-linked entities for a 368.55 MW wind project in Gujarat, including transmission infrastructure for power evacuation.

TBT contacted KP Group communications in-charge Raja Shaikh for a response. Calls went unanswered and no reply was received to a WhatsApp message seeking clarification.