Surat : Farmers Unite Against Power Grid Project Threatening Over 100 Villages

Surat : Farmers from more than 100 villages in Surat district, Gujarat, have raised their voices in protest against the proposed power grid project by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited. The project, which involves laying electricity lines across their farmlands, has sparked outrage among the affected agricultural communities.

A significant gathering of farmers from these affected villages in Surat district convened under the banner of Khedut Samaj Gujarat (KSG) at Kanthwala village in Mangrol taluka on Saturday to voice their strong opposition to the power grid project’s encroachment on their agricultural lands.

The Power Grid Corporation of India has issued a notification outlining its plans to lay a power line connecting Ahmedabad to Navsari in South Gujarat. The proposed power line is slated to pass through more than 100 villages spread across Mangrol, Mandvi, Kamrej, Bardoli, and Palsana talukas in Surat district. To accommodate this extensive network, power towers will need to be erected on farmland, a move that threatens to halve the market value of the affected farmers’ land.

Recognizing the impending threat to the farmers’ livelihoods, Khedut Samaj Gujarat (KSG) has stepped forward to champion their cause. As part of their efforts to protect the farmers’ land, a meeting was organized at Kanthwala village to strategize and rally against the power grid project in Surat district.

Recent experiences with land acquisition for other major infrastructure projects in the region, including the Bullet Train Project, Express Highway Project, and Railway Freight Corridor, have led to lengthy struggles by farmers. However, compensation was ultimately provided by the Central Government in accordance with the farmers’ demands. In contrast, the power grid project raises questions about land acquisition processes, compensation mechanisms, and the extent of losses that farmers may incur due to the installation of power towers.

At the meeting held on the day, prominent figures from the agricultural community, including Jayeshbhai Patel, President of Gujarat Farmers’ Society, Parimalbhai Patel, President of Surat District Farmers’ Society, Darshanbhai Nayak, Farmer and Cooperative Leader, Rameshbhai Patel, President of South Gujarat Farmers’ Society, Jayeshbhai Patel, Farmer Leader of Bharuch, Hanifbhai Patel, Farmer Leader, Jayendrabhai Kathwadia, Bharatbhai Kathwadia, Farooq Bhai, Ketanbhai Bhatt, and other farmer leaders were present to guide and inspire the affected farmers. They offered insights into how farmers can protect their land and navigate the challenges that lie ahead.