Farmers on war path over acquisition of land for Jaipur ring road

The ring road project in Jaipur has taken political overtones as the sarpanches of five panchayats and the members of Ring Road Sangharsh Samiti have locked horns over land acquisition and demand for increase in compensation for the land. The samiti members have decided to approach Rahul Gandhi, general secretary of All India Congress Committee, against the decision of Jaipur Development Authority to acquire more land than required for the Rs 1100 crore project.

On the other hand, the sarpanches are meeting affected farmers and counseling them in favour of the JDA’s decision of acquiring 1692 hectares land for construction of 47-km long ring road, under phase 1 and 2, in the south of Jaipur to connect Ajmer road, Tonk road, and Agra road. The authority has acquired 360 metres wide land for construction of 90 meters wide road.

The JDA planned to construct road on 90 meters wide land and develop the excess land commercially. The idea has, however, not gone well with the farmers who under the banner of the samiti are demanding compensation on market price for 90 metres land and return of excess land.

“JDA is using a divide and rule tactic. The sarpanches supporting the authorities do not have any land in the area. Only 90 metres wide land is needed then what is the need of acquiring 360 metres wide land. We have launched a signature campaign in more than 40 affected villages and will march to Delhi to meet Rahul Gandhi to support our cause” said Badri Prasad Sharma, President of samiti.

Kuldeep Ranka, JDA commissioner, told HT that a development corridor would come up on extra land that would be commercially beneficial for the farmers. “Land has been acquired

Vishnu Sharma, sarpanch of Muhana panchayat said they have planned a meeting of JDA officials and farmers on August 2 to sort out the things. “Samiti leaders are misleading the farmers. Development corridor is necessary and will benefit farmers in longer run” said Sharma.