Farmers in Deva Banda village, Aiza Mandal, protested on the Bharat Mala road. They demanded compensation for land taken for the national highway project. The protest occurred after previous requests for justice went unanswered.
Farmers claim they lost agricultural land for the road but haven’t been fully compensated. Although some payments were made, the third phase, covering damages to pipelines, trees, and infrastructure, remains unpaid.
This isn’t the first protest. Farmers have held hunger strikes and set up protest tents multiple times. Yet, project contractors and government officials involved in the Bharat Mala project haven’t responded significantly.
Angry farmers declared, “We return to the streets. We’ll continue our hunger strike until we receive our rightful compensation. No authority has addressed our grievances despite our peaceful actions.”
They stressed their patience and adherence to the law, but persistent neglect forced them to escalate their protest. They urged state and central governments to act swiftly for justice.
The Bharat Mala project aims to enhance national connectivity but faces land acquisition issues in parts. In Jogulamba Gadwal district, particularly in Deva Banda village, it has caused frustration and economic hardship for farming families.
Local officials and contractors haven’t yet addressed this protest. Farmers plan to maintain their hunger strike until they receive the owed compensation.
