Punjab Barnala Bharatmala project: Farmers from 12 villages halt work; demand higher land compensation

Punjab Barnala Bharatmala project: Seeking higher compensation for the land acquired by the authorities, farmers from 12 villages of Barnala district in Punjab have brought work to a halt on the Bharatmala highway project.

They are protesting under the banner of the Road Sangharsh Committee and have launched an indefinite agitation. Committee vice-president Kulwant Singh said the protest is being supported by several farmer unions.

He said they were protesting in all 12 villages where land had been acquired for the Bharatmala highway project. They are seeking a compensation of Rs 80 lakh per acre, similar to what has been given in Ludhiana. However, they are being paid only Rs 58 lakh per acre.

Farmers have made it clear that construction work will not resume until they receive a written assurance on the revised compensation.

At least 500 acres of land have been acquired in Barnala district for the Bharatmala project. Villages including Gagewal, Ramgarh, Vidhate, Moom and Gehal are among those affected.

Farmers claimed that there was a section of farmers whose land has been divided into two parts due to the project. They  were promised an additional compensation of Rs 9 lakh per acre, which has not been paid yet. The issue has been ongoing since 2021.

Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh said the compensation in Barnala has been calculated as per the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. He added that farmers are demanding rates similar to Ludhiana.

The district administration has deputed the District Revenue Officer to hold talks with the farmers and resolve the matter.