Want project cancelled, not halted: Opposition on greenfield highway

“Our demand was never to temporarily halt the land acquisition process eyeing upcoming polls. Not only that the project is unfeasible but it is meant to destroy the farming in large parts. Building a new road parallel to the already existing road is unfeasible. The government is using delaying tactics but we stand firm on the demand on cancellation of the project,” said Patil.

He added that the issue will be raised in the budget session and the government will be forced to make a reply on this issue.

State minister Dada Bhuse, while speaking to reporters on Wednesday, said that the government will not rush ahead with the project.

“If there are any grievances of farmers related to land acquisition then we will sort all the issues and proceed only after that,” said Bhuse.

Farmer leader Raju Shetti from Hatkanangle said that we welcome that if the minister is ready to hear the grievances of farmers.
“But our core issue is about the feasibility of this project. The toll collection of the existing road is already far below expectations and the government plans to add one more road. How can it be a feasible project?,” asked Shetti.

The farmer leader said that if the government wants to make farmers, they happy should think about taking the land on rent which will give a regular amount to farmers or consider land cost as part of total expenditure on the project which will ensure them a share in the toll as well.