At mahapanchayat in Greater Noida, farmers step up pressure on govt

This comes a day after UP CM Yogi Adityanath directed authorities to swiftly resolve the grievances of protesting farmers.

3 min readNoidaDec 31, 2024 05:55 AM IST

Rakesh Tikait at the event on Monday. (Express/Abhinav Saha)

Intensifying their protests related to land acquisition, farmers from Ghaziabad, Jewar, Meerut, Agra, Aligarh and Bulandshahr gathered for a mahapanchayat in Greater Noida Monday in response to the Bharatiya Kisan Union’s (BKU) call.

This comes a day after UP CM Yogi Adityanath directed authorities to swiftly resolve the grievances of protesting farmers.

The farmers have demanded a hike in compensation and implementation of the 2013 land acquisition bill. They also sought that 10% of the developed land be allocated back to them. In the case of residential and commercial land, they sought a 64.7% rise in compensation rates to match inflation. They also demanded the release of the farmers lodged in jail.

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, who reached the Yamuna Expressway loop, also known as Zero Point, at 2.05 pm, said in the last few years, prices of every item have gone up. “Then why was the circle rate not increased? For Gautam Buddh Nagar, the issue is land acquisition. If the government does not listen, we will keep protesting.”

Addressing the crowd, BKU leader Ravinder Pradhan said: “We gave our land in the name of development of cities in Gautam Buddh Nagar… First Noida Authority, then Greater Noida Authority, and now Yamuna Authority, they have all taken away our rights,” he alleged.

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“Last month, the UP government formed a committee to implement the recommendation of another committee formed in February for increased compensation and developed plots,” he further said.

“It has been nearly one month, but there is no update from this committee. They have not held any meeting with the local farmers, and we feel there is no significant update,” said Pradhan.

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Several farmers also presented their grievances against the authorities. Narender Nagar from Dankaur said his 22-acre land was acquired for the development of the Yamuna Expressway in 2018. “I’ve not received my share of the developed land and increased compensation. This is why I came here today,” he said, with documents in his hand.

The CM, chairing a meeting on Sunday with the Chief Executive Officers of Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna authorities, asked officials to address farmers’ concerns.

Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M said the CM directed them to implement the actionable recommendations submitted by a state-level committee earlier. “We have already started implementing these recommendations, with surveys underway in villages. Issues regarding the lease-back of farmers’ lands will also be taken up soon,” he said.

Neetika Jha

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

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