‘In the name of development, farmers’ lands being acquired without adequate compensation’

The convention prominently raised the demand for compensation to families whose houses were recently damaged or destroyed in Bhattakufar, Shimla, along with six nearby houses, reportedly due to the four-lane project. The gathering also demanded immediate arrangements for the rehabilitation of those who have been displaced after their homes were declared unsafe.

The participants called for the formation of an expert committee to assess the damages. The committee, they said, should include engineers from both the central and state governments, and, if possible, operate under judicial supervision to ensure a fair evaluation.

Dr Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, state president of the Himachal Kisan Sabha, said that the impact of four-lane construction is not limited to Shimla alone but is being felt across the state wherever such projects are underway. He pointed out that various developmental projects in Himachal — including hydropower projects, railway lines, transmission lines, and airports — are being executed with little regard for environmental concerns.

“Most of the state’s farmers are small and marginal, possessing limited land for livelihood. Yet, in the name of development, their lands are being acquired without adequate compensation. The Kisan Sabha has demanded that compensation be paid under Factor-2 (four times the market rate), as upheld by the Himachal Pradesh High Court,” Tanwar added.

He further highlighted that while 45–55 metres of land is acquired for four-lane roads, the hill-cutting done at angles of 60–90 degrees destabilises adjacent land, leading to landslides. Illegal dumping of construction debris has damaged pastures, farmland, and water sources.

“Neither the state government nor the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is addressing these serious issues. A district-level valuation committee was supposed to review work monthly, but no such reviews have been conducted so far. As a result, farmers are bearing a much heavier cost than just the land acquired, and this needs to be recognised in the compensation rules.”

Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Chauhan, a leader of Himachal Kisan Sabha, called on all affected people to unite and intensify their struggle. He said that without unity, it is not possible to get justice. He announced a protest at the NHAI office in Chakkar, Shimla, on July 16, and appealed for maximum participation. Chauhan also said that meetings will be organised in the affected panchayats between Kaithlighat and Dhalli in the coming days to intensify the movement.

Representatives from various organizations — including Vijender Mehra, Jagat Ram, Vivek Kashyap, Ramakant Mishra, Phalma Chauhan, Sonia Sabharwal, Jagmohan Thakur, Rajendra Chauhan, Pratap Thakur, Anil, and Sunny — were also present in the meeting.