Deception with Farmers in the “Year of Farmers”
Government Grabbing Land at Throwaway Prices

Indore (Dr. Santosh Patidar): In the name of the Simhastha, the government is acquiring irrigated, multi-crop agricultural land at throwaway prices for another State Highway— the Dhamnod–Barwah four-lane project. This has led to deep resentment among villagers. Farmers affected by the project met Maheshwar MLA Rajkumar Mev and demanded that the guideline rates of the affected villages be increased by up to 300%, as current rates are extremely low, resulting in inadequate compensation. They further demanded four times compensation based on the revised guideline rates, or that the guideline be aligned with market value and compensation be paid accordingly. They also insisted that the highway height be kept at ground level.

Dr. Mohit Patidar, a farmer from Chhoti Khargone affected by the project, said that the highly fertile black cotton soil of the Narmada river basin—known for producing “white gold” (cotton)—is being arbitrarily acquired for the highway. The compensation being offered is so low that it cannot even buy a small piece of land elsewhere. Educated and progressive farmers like Santosh Tata, Devendra Patidar, Rajendra Patidar, and Sanjay Patel stated that in many cases entire landholdings are being acquired, rendering families displaced. Tribal farmers, small and large landholders, women farmers, and agricultural laborers are at risk of losing their livelihoods and becoming homeless.

Anger among farmers over land acquisition in the name of the four-lane highway has now reached a boiling point. They allege that they have been deceived for years, their fertile land repeatedly taken away, and in return they are being displaced with meager compensation. Maheshwar MLA Rajkumar Mev met the farmers and assured them that he would raise their concerns with the Chief Minister.

“Colonial Attitude, No Hearing”
Farmers have accused administrative officials and MPRDC authorities of ignoring their demand to bring guideline rates in line with market value. This has intensified anger, and farmers are now preparing for a major आंदोलन. National-level farmer organizations are likely to join the protest. Farmers allege that officials behave like colonial rulers and fail to provide even basic information about the project. Despite repeated peaceful memorandums, no action has been taken. Officials are allegedly unaware of rules, and lower-level staff such as clerks and patwaris are acting arbitrarily. Farmers claim even the Collector is being misled, resulting in harassment of poor tribal communities, rural residents, laborers, and women farmers.

Guideline ₹3–5 Lakh vs Market ₹25–50 Lakh
Farmers said that in many villages, the guideline rate is ₹3–5 lakh per bigha, while the actual market value ranges from ₹25 to ₹50 lakh. Despite this, compensation is being calculated at the lower guideline rate. Meanwhile, land brokers are facilitating deals at ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore per bigha under the same project. Leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh—including divisional president Krishna Pal Singh Rathore, state president Lakshmi Narayan Patel, Anil Vyas, Shyam Singh Pawar, and Sadashiv Patidar—said that the government is not properly implementing the 2013 land acquisition law, which is why such projects face resistance. They emphasized that guideline rates should match market value, and fourfold compensation must be provided so farmers can purchase alternative land.

For example:

  • Village Kumbhiya (Maheshwar tehsil): guideline approx. ₹3 lakh per bigha

  • Village Ladvi (Mandlehwar area): approx. ₹5 lakh per bigha
    Whereas market value is nearly 10 times higher. Farmers stated clearly:
    “With such compensation, we cannot even buy two yards of land.”

Demand for Recognition of Diversion Applications
Farmers have demanded that all diversion applications filed before the notification be recognized and compensation be determined accordingly. There is also strong opposition to the highway’s elevation. They insist that the highway be constructed at ground level, warning that excessive height will severely impact drainage, access routes, and farming.

MLA’s Assurance
Maheshwar MLA Rajkumar Mev has assured farmers that he will arrange a meeting with the Chief Minister and strongly present their demands. He said he would not allow injustice to farmers.

“We Will Not Tolerate Injustice Anymore”
Protesting residents along the Narmada river, describing themselves as children of “Mother Narmada,” have warned of a large-scale agitation if their demands are not met.

Religious and Social Concerns Raised
Farmers questioned: “How can a government that claims to uphold Sanatan values commit such injustice against its own food providers?” They expressed hope that the state leadership would act with the sense of justice associated with Ahilyabai.

Key Demands of Farmers

  • Increase guideline rates to match market value and provide fourfold compensation accordingly

  • Proper implementation of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act

  • Recognition of pre-notification diversion applications

  • Keep highway height at ground level

  • Ensure proper rehabilitation and developed plots for displaced families

Farmers said the four-lane project is no longer about development but a fight for their survival. Many in the region have already lost land multiple times for dams, canals, and the Jalud pumping station for the Narmada project. Now, for the fourth time, fertile land is being acquired. In some cases, farmers are losing land for the second or third time, despite legal provisions discouraging repeated acquisition unless absolutely necessary.

They warned that continued neglect and injustice in the Nimar region could escalate into a statewide farmer movement. There is growing anger that development projects in the name of Simhastha are demanding the sacrifice of farming and livelihoods.

Farmers also alleged that the government deliberately issued the Section 11 notification for land acquisition in March—before guideline rates are increased in April—so that compensation can be calculated at outdated, lower rates. They claim that governments generally avoid giving either land in exchange or adequate compensation.

Finally, farmers demanded compensation similar to the Indore–Ujjain Greenfield Highway, where fourfold compensation was provided, and pointed out that guideline rates for Indore’s Western Ring Road were increased by up to 240%, urging similar treatment for the State Highway project.

the Dhamnod–Barwah four-lane project