Land survey in Bihar’s Kosi region triggers protests

The survey of landforms created as a result of the change of Kosi’s course has triggered fears that they make be declared government land

SUPAUL: Hundreds of farmers have held protests in Bihar’s Supaul district over the survey of landforms created as a result of the change of Kosi’s river course amid fears that they make be declared government land. They said they have had absolute ownership of such land spread over hundreds of acres around Kosi embankments.

Farmers at a protest site. (HT PHOTO)

“The governments — both central and state — want to grab our land... till our last breath, we will fight...,” said Lakshman Kumar Jha, a farmer. He said if the government does not end the survey, they will be forced to resort to an indefinite agitation.

Supaul district settlement officer Bharat Bhushan Prasad said they will send a letter to the government seeking guidelines in view of the protests. “We cannot say anything in this regard right now.” He added survey officials will visit the site before making any decision. Prasad refused to comment on the rules regarding the land title.

Prasad Yadav, another farmer, said their fathers and grandfathers cultivated land around the river that they lost to floods. “We grow watermelons and wheat over the sandy land.”

Officials cited rules and added the land left after the change of the Kosi becomes government land. The Kosi, a tributary of the Ganga, is known for changing its course.

The protesting farmers said they were in touch with Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait and seeking his support in protecting their land. “Farmers, whether from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, or Bihar, are with Rakesh Tikait,” said a third farmer.