Halaga-Macche bypass dispute.
Belagavi: District Minister Satish Jarkiholi met with farmers opposing the Halaga-Macche bypass alignment, a Union government project connecting the Pune-Bengaluru and Belagavi-Goa highways. Farmers have resisted the Halaga-Macche bypass for 13 years, fearing it will cost them valuable agricultural land. The protest includes rejection of compensation and concerns over alleged police pressure. For More Details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/farmers-protest-halaga-macche-bypass-minister-jarkiholi-to-meet-gadkari/articleshow/114469593.cms
Farmers Call for Realignment to Save Agricultural Land
Jarkiholi expressed his commitment to support the farmers in their Halaga-Macche bypass dispute. He announced plans to lead a delegation to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Farmers are demanding a realignment of the bypass instead of a complete halt. They claim the current Detailed Project Report is flawed.
Project Approval and Compensation Updates
Despite the protests, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This ruling allows the Halaga-Macche bypass project to proceed as planned. The original land acquisition of 124 acres was extended to 160 acres by 2021. This has raised significant concerns among the agricultural community.
Initially, the compensation was estimated at Rs 15 crore. However, it later increased to Rs 45 crore after the 2013 land acquisition law came into effect. Many farmers still feel this compensation is insufficient. They argue it does not account for the long-term impact of losing their farmland.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan emphasized that the government has notified land acquisitions since 2011. Recent notifications occurred in 2019 and 2021. Compensation for 77 acres has already been paid, but payments for another 55 acres remain in court. The ongoing situation highlights the need for dialogue among the government, farmers, and relevant authorities. A resolution is crucial to address the concerns of all parties involved.
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