Congress Raises Alarm Over Illegal Shrimp Farms, Power Line Project in Surat

Surat : In a bold move against environmental violations and farmer distress, the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Collector of Surat, highlighting the rampant issue of illegal shrimp ponds on government land in Olpad taluka. The memorandum, spearheaded by Congress General Secretary Darshan Naik, calls for immediate action against these unauthorized activities that threaten agricultural livelihoods and violate environmental norms.

According to data obtained through an RTI inquiry, approximately 1,805 illegal shrimp ponds are spread across 1,343.90 hectares of government land in Olpad taluka. This issue has persisted despite legal intervention—back in 2020, the Brackish Water Research Center (BWRC) filed a case with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to curb these violations. However, enforcement remains lax, with authorities selectively dismantling embankments while large-scale violations continue unchecked.

Congress Warns of Agitation Against Power Line Project

Adding fuel to the fire, the Congress has also opposed the Powergrid South Olpad Transmission Limited project, which proposes to install 765 KV and 440 KV high-tension power lines through Olpad’s fertile farmland. The transmission system aims to transfer electricity across regions, but farmers fear irreversible damage to paddy, sugarcane, vegetables, and horticultural crops.

The Congress party demands that instead of cutting through farmland, the power lines should be rerouted along the coastal belt from Bharuch to Vapi to minimize agricultural destruction. If authorities fail to comply, the party has threatened massive agitation against the project.

Environmental Crisis: Polluted Water Endangering Crops

Beyond land encroachment and power line disputes, another pressing issue is the discharge of chemical-laden polluted water into canals, roadside drains, sub-minor canals, KRC minor, and creeks across Olpad. This industrial waste runoff has severely affected irrigation water quality, leading to declining soil fertility and forcing farmers into crisis.

Congress leaders, including Jayendrabhai Desai, Atulbhai Patel, and Govindbhai Patel, have demanded an urgent government investigation and strict action against industries violating environmental policies. If authorities continue to ignore these concerns, the Congress will escalate its protests to protect farmers’ rights and the region’s ecological balance.

Congress vs. Government: A Political Battle Brewing

The growing crisis in Olpad highlights the broader tension between farmers, environmental sustainability, and industrial expansion. While the BJP-led government has touted its development projects, opposition parties argue that these policies disproportionately harm rural communities. With farmers’ frustration mounting, the Congress’ intervention signals an impending political showdown.