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

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.

“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.

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.