Farmers in Uttar Pradesh who provided land for the newly inaugurated Jewar airport are yet to receive compensation, farmer leaders stated on Wednesday. The development comes amidst ongoing concerns about land acquisition processes and farmer welfare across the country.
Farmers’ Grievances Surface Over Jewar Airport Land Acquisition
According to details received by The Chenab Times, farmer leaders have voiced dissatisfaction over the delayed compensation for land acquired for the Noida International Airport, commonly known as Jewar airport, in Uttar Pradesh. The airport, a significant infrastructure project, has seen its land acquisition process met with continued grievances from the affected agricultural community.
All India Kisan Khet Mazdoor Sangathan (AIKKMS) president Satyavan highlighted that land acquisition for development projects remains a pressing issue nationwide. He specifically pointed to the situation in Uttar Pradesh, where farmers have not yet been compensated for the land designated for the airport. Satyavan also noted that approximately 519 villages, situated along the proposed Meerut to Allahabad Ganga Expressway, have been issued directives by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state to refrain from selling their land. This notification suggests a potential for further land acquisition in the future, adding to the farmers’ concerns.
Broader Farmer Agitations Planned Nationwide
Satyavan’s concerns were echoed by Darshan Pal, another prominent farmer leader. Pal announced that the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a collective of farmer unions, intends to launch a large-scale agitation on August 10. This protest will include tactics such as ‘Jail Bharo’ (court arrest) and ‘Rail Roko’ (blockade of railway tracks) to demonstrate opposition to what they describe as the central government’s “anti-people” policies.
The SKM is advocating for several key demands at a national level. These include the enactment of a law guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops at C2+50% (cost of production plus 50% return) with assured procurement mechanisms. They are also calling for the repeal of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the implementation of a comprehensive farm loan waiver policy. In addition, the SKM plans to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing dissatisfaction with the handling of the NEET examination irregularities.
Water Scarcity and Inter-State Water Disputes Highlighted
Beyond the airport compensation issue, Satyavan also brought attention to separate farmer protests occurring in Haryana. He mentioned a demonstration in Hisar concerning acute drinking water shortages. These agitations, frequently led by local residents, women, and agricultural activists, typically revolve around delayed infrastructure projects, dry canal tail-ends, and non-functional water treatment plants. Such issues force communities to rely on contaminated water sources or resort to purchasing water from private tankers at significant expense.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Samyukt Kisan Morcha is also actively involved in a substantial public movement in neighbouring Punjab. This movement focuses on resolving the state’s complex river water-sharing disputes, asserting control over dams, and addressing the alarming rate of groundwater depletion. The union is pressing for guaranteed canal water access for every farm and a robust legal framework to manage water-related issues based on established riparian principles.
National Convention to Chart Future Protests
The farmer collective has further announced its intention to convene an All-India Convention on July 29 in Delhi. This gathering is expected to bring together state and district leadership to strategize and declare the subsequent phase of their ongoing campaign and struggles. The convention aims to consolidate efforts and present a unified front on the diverse challenges faced by farmers across India.
The Chenab Times News Desk