Bathinda farmers oppose acquisition of land for highway

Tension escalated at Dunewala, Bhagwangarh and Shergarh villages today as farmers voiced strong opposition to the acquisition of their land by the district administration for the Jamnagar-Amritsar national highway under the Bharatmala project.

According to information, the administration began the land acquisition process today when a team, including three SDMs, along with heavy machinery and police force, reached the villages to take possession of the land. Irked over not being allegedly provided adequate compensation, farmers staged a protest. Later, the police detained around a dozen farmers.

The farmers have announced a protest against the administration and police action tomorrow at Dunewala.

“We have worked on this land for decades. Now, they are taking it from us without even giving us adequate compensation,” said Ram Singh, a farm union leader.

According to the information, the administration had given Rs 48 lakh per acre compensation whereas the farmers were demanding Rs 70 lakh per acre.

The Bharatmala Project, which is part of the government’s larger highway and infrastructure development initiative, aims to create a robust national network of roads and highways to enhance connectivity.

Defending its action, the administration said the project was crucial for the region’s growth and would bring long-term benefits. “We are following the legal procedure and have provided compensation as per the norms,” said DC Shaukat Ahmed Parray.