Farmers dissatisfied with compensation offered for land acquired for the Badnawar-Timrwani four-lane road project continued their indefinite protest at the Jhabua Collectorate on Friday. The demonstration, which began on Thursday, has also drawn a significant number of women farmers.
The protesting farmers have said they will remain at the Collectorate until they receive a written assurance on their compensation demand. They spent their first night at the protest site, preparing food collectively and staying under the open sky.
Farmers Cook Food at Protest Site
Arrangements for food and refreshments have been made at the protest venue. On Thursday night, the farmers reportedly prepared around 30 kg of baati and 7 kg of rice and shared the meal among those participating in the protest.
On Friday morning, around 10 litres of milk were used to prepare tea, while poha was also prepared and distributed among the protesters.
The arrangements allowed the farmers to continue their stay at the Collectorate as they pressed for action on their demands.
Fourfold Compensation Sought
The farmers are demanding compensation equivalent to four times the market value of the land acquired for the four-lane project, citing provisions applicable to land acquisition.
On Thursday, Meghnagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Avanadhati Pradhan and NHAI Project Director Devendra Chapdekar reportedly visited the protest site. They advised the farmers to present their claims through the arbitration application process.
However, the farmers have continued their protest, indicating that they want clarity and a written commitment regarding the compensation issue.
Meeting With Collector
A delegation led by Vardichand Patidar, district minister of the farmers' organisation, met Jhabua Collector Dr Yogesh Tukaram Bharsat to discuss the issues.
During the meeting, discussions reportedly resulted in agreement on several issues related to access roads to agricultural fields, drainage arrangements and the height of the road.
However, the issue of compensation remained unresolved.
Written Assurance Demanded
Following the meeting, the protesting farmers maintained that they would not withdraw their demonstration without a written assurance.
The farmers have raised concerns about the impact of the four-lane project on agricultural land and are seeking what they consider appropriate compensation for the acquired land.
The continued presence of farmers at the Collectorate has put pressure on the administration to address the unresolved compensation issue while discussions on other project-related concerns have progressed.
Protest Continues
The indefinite demonstration entered its second day on Friday, with farmers and women participants continuing to remain at the Collectorate premises.
The administration has already advised the farmers to pursue their compensation claims through the arbitration mechanism. However, the protesters are insisting on a written assurance before ending the agitation.
The next course of action will depend on whether the administration and the farmers are able to reach an agreement on compensation.
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