Belagavi
The farmers from Hukkeri taluk, who have lost their land to the Hidkal Dam project around 43 years ago, launched an indefinite strike in the premises of Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding the alternative land sanctioned to them to be handed over.
The members of 58 families, holding plaques in their hands, marched from Channamma Circle, and assembled at the Deputy Commissioner office premises and sat on an indefinite dharna.
They also shouted slogans demanding justice. Farmers of Biranaholi, Managutti, Islampur, Gudanatti, Halevantamuri in Hukkeri taluk have lost their land to the Hidkal Dam project.
RTI activist Bhimappa Gadad, who led the agitation, speaking to media persons said the 58 families lost their lands in the backwaters of Hidkal Dam project in 1980. The government sanctioned them alternative land in the neighbouring villages but has not handed them over to date.
We demand from the government that the issue should be discussed on the first day of the winter session. The government should pass an order for the immediate handing over of the land sanctioned to the affected farmers. It is an unfortunate fact that the farmers of our country have been agitating for the past 43 years for compensatory land, Bhimappa Gadad said.
Manikya Chillur, State President of the Women’s wing of Krishik Samaj said the demands of the farmers who lost their land for the irrigation project should be fulfilled on priority.
