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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Sangli farmers resort to bhajans to protest Shaktipeeth project
Kolhapur: Farmers from Sangli district's Tasgaon have adopted a unique form of protest against the proposed 802km Shaktipeeth Expressway project. Whenever MSRDC officials arrive for land survey and mapping, the farmers start performing bhajans and kirtans with anti-project lyrics, accompanied by traditional instruments like taal and mridangam, in a peaceful 'Gandhigiri' style of resistance. Mahesh Kharade, Sangli district president of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, said, "This is farmers' way of showing their resentment, in a Gandhigiri style. For three days, farmers from Matkunki village didn't allow land survey for the project. The anti-Shaktipeeth bhajan written by a farmer, Amol Patil, made even the highway officials think over what they were doing." Tasgaon tehsildar Atul Patole said the land survey in Tasgaon needed to be carried out in 10 villages. "The survey was completed in Sawarde and Siddhewadi villages where there was less landholding by farmers. In Sawalaj and Nagaon Kavathe, the land survey is ongoing. In some villages, the farmers are opposing the survey. We are holding discussions with the farmers and trying to clear their doubts about the project. " The land survey in Sangli district's Miraj tehsil will commence from July 25, where farmers have also decided to oppose the project. MLC Satej Patil said, "If farmers support the Shaktipeeth project, why have so many objections been raised against it? The fight against Shaktipeeth will continue."
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Farmers' protest forces postponement of land survey for Shaktipeeth in Sangli
Kolhapur: Land mapping and surveys for the Shaktipeeth Expressway was postponed in Sangli's Dongarsoni village on Monday because of huge protests from farmers across 12 districts in Maharashtra. A total of 8,500 hectares of farmland will be acquired for this 802km long highway project connecting 12 districts in the state and costing about Rs 86,000 crore. It aims to connect major pilgrimage sites and reduce travel time between Nagpur and Goa to about seven hours. Mahesh Kharade, Sangli district president of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, said, "The farmers gathered on Monday morning at Dongarsoni village of Tasgaon tehsil to oppose the land survey for the Shaktipeeth project, but no one arrived for the exercise. On Tuesday, they have declared land mapping at Siddhewadi village. The farmers will strongly oppose the project there as well. We won't let this project go on. What's the use of this highway if fertile land is going to be acquired?" In Sangli district, the Shaktipeeth Expressway will pass through 19 villages, for which 717.187 hectares of farmland from 7,611 farmers will be acquired. The land survey and mapping from 10 villages at Tasgaon tehsil in Sangli district have been planned to be carried out between July 7 and 22. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo On Monday noon, a meeting of farmers from Chandgad, Ajara and Gadhinglaj tehsils was held at Gadhinglaj town after the local Chandgad MLA Shivaji Patil (independent MLA supporting BJP) put forward a demand in front of MSRDC officials to take the Shaktipeeth Highway via Gadhinglaj, Ajara and Chandgad route to allow industrial and tourism development. Farmers in large numbers gathered for the meeting and showed displeasure over the MLA's statement, saying that MLA should not shatter the dreams of farmers. Sangram Kupekar, former zilla parishad member, said, "MLA Patil is seeking development, which is not required here. Thousands of hectares of fertile farmland will be lost to the unnecessary project. We will intensify our agitation and carry out a road blockade and a protest rally soon against Shaktipeeth. "
