13-08-2025
Farmers to stage protest seeking adequate compensation for land acquired for Perundurai SIPCOT
Farmers whose lands were acquired for the Perundurai SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre, allegedly without adequate compensation, have announced a continuous sit-in protest from September 18 at the Erode Revenue Divisional Officer's office, along with their families, until the issue is resolved.
The decision was taken at a recent meeting of the Perundurai SIPCOT Affected People's Welfare Association in Perundurai. In a release, the association coordinator S. Chinnasamy said around 2,709 acres were acquired nearly 30 years ago for SIPCOT. While most lands acquired through direct purchase received higher rates, about 350 acres acquired under the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 through an award were given far lower compensation, ₹29,700 per acre in Ingur and ₹34,100 in Perundurai.
Farmers challenged this disparity in court, and the District Court ordered additional compensation of ₹1.8 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per acre. The Madras High Court later upheld this ruling. However, the amounts have not been fully paid to date, they said.
The association has demanded that the government revise the compensation in line with the High Court's maximum ruling, ₹2.5 lakh per acre plus solatium, additional market value, interest, and value for structures and trees, and issue a Government Order to benefit all affected farmers.
Mr. Chinnasamy alleged that SIPCOT currently charges industrial operators ₹81 lakh per acre and commercial establishments ₹1.62 crore per acre on 99-year leases, while original landowners continue to suffer. Many farmers have faced severe hardship, with some dying without receiving their dues.
The association has appealed to all political parties, public representatives, social organisations, farmers' unions, and the public to support the protest, and urged the State government, district administration, and SIPCOT to intervene immediately.
