- By Deeksha Gour
- Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:08 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maharashtra News: On Wednesday, March 12, thousands of farmers from Vidarbha, Marathwada and western Maharashtra gathered at Azad Maidan to protest the proposed 802-km Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway. They expressed their determination to prevent any survey of their land for the project, which they believe will adversely affect their livelihoods.
CM Fadnavis Defends Project, Says Over 1,000 Farmers Gave Consent
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed concerns in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, reaffirming the government's commitment to proceeding with the project while also considering farmers' grievances. "I understand the farmers' feelings," he said, adding that over 1,000 farmers had given written consent for the expressway, which he described as a "game-changer." He compared the project to the Samruddhi Expressway, claiming it would enhance connectivity to ports and airports, thereby improving the lives of people in the 12 affected districts.
Raju Shetti Alleges Rs 70 Crore Scam In Shaktipeeth Highway Project
However, farmers' representative and former MP Raju Shetti accused the government of corruption surrounding the Rs 86,000 crore project. "If this project is about connecting the temples of Maharashtra, why is the road going to Goa?" he questioned. Shetti revealed his calculations, stating that while the government estimates the cost of building one kilometre of the six-lane road at Rs 107 crore, his research suggests it should only cost Rs 35 crore. "We want to know where the extra Rs 70 crore is going," he demanded during the demonstration.
Shaktipeeth Expressway Land Acquisition Plan: 9,385 Hectares To Be Acquired In 11 Districts
The Shaktipeeth Expressway, approved in 2023, has stirred unrest among farmers since it involves acquiring land across several districts. The project requires a total of 9,385 hectares, including 265 hectares of forest land. A joint survey for land acquisition has been approved, with preparations underway to start counting in 11 districts, excluding Kolhapur.
Opposition Leaders Extend Support To Farmers
Opposition leaders, including NCP(SP) legislator Jayant Patil and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, joined the protest to voice their support. Patil raised concerns about the impact on farmers whose livelihoods depend on the land. "We are not against development, but what happens if farmers have no other source of income? The contracts for this project often go to select contractors, and we risk losing sight of the real issues," he said.
Farmers Misled On Compensation, Claims Shetti
Shetti warned farmers that the government was misleading them about compensation. He claimed that farmers with less productive land were promised Rs 2 crore per acre, suggesting that many believe they will benefit if the Shaktipeeth highway passes through their land. "This is all a lie," he asserted, adding that the government has invoked the State Highways Act of 1955, rooted in the British Land Acquisition Act of 1894, to seize land.
The protest at Azad Maidan commenced at 10 AM, drawing support from various legislators, including Leader of the Opposition Ambadas Danve, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Kailas Patil, NCP(SP) state president Jayant Patil and Congress MLC Satej Patil. The gathering underscored the farmers' resolve to fight for their rights and livelihoods in the face of government projects they believe threaten their existence.