Farmers fill pits dug for high-tension electric towers in Karnal village - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Farmers fill pits dug for high-tension electric towers in Karnal village

By, Karnal
May 15, 2022 12:46 AM IST

Thousands of farmers on Saturday filled the pits that were earlier dug up for erection of high-tension electric towers in Bandrala village of Karnal district

Thousands of farmers on Saturday filled the pits that were earlier dug up for erection of high-tension electric towers in Bandrala village of Karnal district. They accused the Haryana government of not announcing compensation for the land being taken for the pylons.

The protesters also uprooted the base constructed by the private company for erection of the pylons and threatened to start an indefinite protest until compensation is released. (HT Photo)
The protesters also uprooted the base constructed by the private company for erection of the pylons and threatened to start an indefinite protest until compensation is released. (HT Photo)

The protesters also uprooted the base constructed by the private company for erection of the pylons and threatened to start an indefinite protest until compensation is released.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Heavy police deployment was made following the call of protest and a mahapanchayat at Assandh’s gurdwara. But police failed to stop the protesters as the strength of farmers outnumbered them. Farmers, irrespective of their organisations, reached in large numbers.

“We had already warned the government and police that we will fill these pits peacefully and did exactly that. The government will not be allowed to take our land forcibly,” said farm leader Gurnam Singh Charuni.

Karnal deputy commissioner Anish Yadav said the process of disbursement of compensation is underway and of total 135 towers to be erected in district, compensation for 100 poles (amounting to around 70 lakh) has already been disbursed.

Also, bank account details for the remaining farmers are being taken and compensation will be paid accordingly.

On why the farmers are opposing the project, the deputy commissioner said the issue is that they are demanding more compensation than what was fixed as per the policy. He said efforts are being made to resolve the issue.

Later in the evening, the Karnal DC reached Assandh and held a meeting with the farmers. He told them that the compensation is being paid as per the policy and delay in erection of towers will affect the working of a new plant being set up at the Panipat refinery for management of crop residue.

He said a meeting of farm leaders and top officials of the department concerned will be held on Monday and until then, the said work will remain suspended.

Charuni gains lost ground

A considerable strength of farmers, on call of Charuni, has helped him retain the lost ground in Haryana. He was facing criticism from a section of farmers for his decision to contest the Punjab assembly elections. This was the first such protest after Punjab polls and formation of a separate farm union by a group of farmers who had deserted Charuni.

“All farmers will be united whenever required to fight for their rights,” said Charuni.

On May 11, officials of a private company, in the presence of police, had dug up the pits despite protest by farmers.

In the evening, Charuni had reached there and given a call for a mahapanchayat and urged farmers to unite and reach Bandrala village in large numbers on May 14.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Neeraj Mohan is a correspondent, covering Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat and Yamunanagar districts of Haryana.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On