Surat : Farmers Protest Against PGCI’s High-Tension Power Lines

SURAT, GUJARAT : Farmers in Kamrej taluka’s Valthan village in Surat district are voicing their opposition against the Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCI) for installing 765 KV overhead power lines on their valuable lands. Over 100 farmers from five talukas in Surat district have jointly submitted a memorandum to the Surat district collector, demanding that the power lines be laid following the Land Acquisition Act.

Demands for Legal Procedures

Farmers converged at the Surat district collector’s office to protest against the installation of high-tension power transmission towers and lines over farmlands, citing violations of the Indian Telegraph Act. They argue that PGCI’s actions are illegal and infringe upon their rights.

Long-standing Opposition

The discontent among farmers towards PGCI has been brewing for some time. Allegedly, power lines are being erected without proper authorization, leading to the destruction of standing crops and encroachment upon farmlands. This has sparked considerable resentment among the farming community.

Farmer’s Concerns

Farmers claim that PGCI officials are resorting to intimidation tactics and forcibly installing the 765 KV power lines on their fields. They express apprehension about the adverse effects of constructing power lines on their valuable land, which could have detrimental consequences for their livelihoods.

Advocacy Efforts

Parimal Patel, representing the Surat Khedut Samaj, expressed strong opposition to the Indian Telegraph Act of 1985, which allows for the installation of high-tension power transmission towers and lines over farmlands. He emphasized that PGCI’s actions would result in the destruction of valuable farmlands and substantial financial losses for farmers.

Demands for Legal Compliance

Patel further asserted the farmers’ demand for adherence to the Land Acquisition Act. They insist that compensation should be provided to farmers for the land acquired for setting up transmission towers, ensuring fair treatment and just compensation for the affected farmers.