Farmers’ protest halts Shahapur power project

Worried that they will lose their land to the Rs 125-crore Vajra Power project, farmers in Shahapur came out on the streets to protest and blocked the Shahapur-Murbad Road for three hours on Friday.

Worried that they will lose their land to the Rs 125-crore Vajra Power project, farmers in Shahapur came out on the streets to protest and blocked the Shahapur-Murbad Road for three hours on Friday.

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It seemed to work.

The state announced that work on the project would start only after the discussing the issue with the local farmers and understanding their problems.

In 2007, the state decided to set up the Vajra Power project at Shahapur to meet the power demand of the fastest growing industrial belt in this area. While the first phase of the project at Kaajgoan and Saralambe villages is complete, problems started in the second phase — at Saapgoan and Khutghar villages — six months ago.

Around 30 farmers stand to lose their lands. The farmers joined hands with parties and social organisations to form the Vajra Prakalap Virodhi Samiti. “If this project goes ahead, not only the farmers lose their lands, but also their houses will get submerged during rains,” said Ramchandra Andade, president, Vajra Prakalap Virodhi Samiti.