E-Paper
Pune’s Bhama Askhed project delayed again
Agitated farmers are unhappy with Rs 15 lakh compensation and have stalled pipeline work yet again; demanding land instead of cash
The Bhama Askhed water pipeline project was designed to meet drinking water needs of 14.5 lakh residents of eastern Pune. However, agitations by farmers and issues of rightful compensation for land acquired is a hindrance to the project.
In a meeting held in the first week of March, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and other concerned government officials discussed the issues of the farmers. Fadnavis, then, announced Rs 15 lakh per hectare compensation to the 1,414 farmers who were affected by the project and asked Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to bear the cost. Farmers accepted the compensation and the work of the pipeline began.
However, during the Lok Sabha elections, the agitated farmers stalled the water pipeline project of the PMC, yet again.
According to administrative officials, the work of the pipeline has been stalled as there is a difference of opinion among the farmers. While the farmers initially agreed for cash as compensation, the framers are not happy with the compensation amount. Hence, even though a few farmers have agreed to take the compensation, at least 300 farmers are demanding land as compensation instead of cash.
Prashant Waghmare, PMC city engineer, said, “The work of the project has been stalled since mid-April. PMC officials want to initiate a dialogue with the agitated farmers as 85 per cent of the work has been completed. However, now, the civic body cannot complete the rest of the work.”
PMC officials have asked the state government to take a call on the demands of these farmers as they do not have enough land for compensation in rural areas.
Sachin Adgale, an affected farmer, said, “There is a difference of opinion among the farmers. Earlier, farmers had given their land for the construction of a dam in the area, however, the state government did not construct canals for us and hence, we receive no water from the dam. Even at that time, the compensation given to farmers was very nominal. Hence, it is natural that the farmers will ask for more compensation for PMC’s water pipeline project. Farmers are of the view that if they are not getting water benefit from the Bhima Askhed dam, they should at least be given enough compensation for their land. Hence, some of the farmers want land as compensation instead of cash.
