Farmers from 12 districts gathered at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on March 12 to protest against the proposed Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway. This project is estimated to cost ₹86,300 crore and has raised significant concerns among the local farming community. The primary worry is the potential loss of agricultural land needed for the highway. The farmers unanimously declared that officials would not be allowed to enter for land measurement related to acquisition.
The protest saw participation from farmers in Kolhapur, Solapur, Sangli, Sindhudurg, Yavatmal, Wardha, Beed, Parbhani, Hingoli, Nanded, Dharashiv, and Latur. They demanded the cancellation of the Shaktipeeth highway. Support for the protest came from various farmer organisations, legislators, and both opposition and ruling party members.
NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil spoke out against the project, stating, “The government is building this road without any demand from a single farmer. This is just a way to raise party funds and feed contractors at our expense.” Congress MLC Satej Patil echoed these sentiments, saying, “This highway is being made for contractors, not for the farmers.”
The proposed expressway is an 802-kilometre greenfield project aimed at connecting Pavnar in Wardha district to Patradevi in Sindhudurg district. It will pass through 11 districts, including major areas like Wardha, Yavatmal, and Kolhapur. The government claims this infrastructure will enhance connectivity to important religious sites and improve economic growth in the region.
However, former MP and farmer leader Raju Shetti questioned the need for such an expensive project. He pointed out that a similar road already exists from Nagpur to Ratnagiri, which is underused and losing money. He added, “One kilometre of road costs ₹35 crore, but Shaktipeeth will cost ₹107 crore per kilometre. With the state already in debt, this project will worsen our financial situation.”
The Leader of the Opposition, Ambadas Danve, referenced a past statement from then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who had promised to abolish the Shakti Peeth project. Danve remarked, “If the project is not abolished now, it indicates that the current government is not listening to the farmers.”
In a show of unity, farmers plan to intensify their protests. A gathering in Latur is scheduled for April 8, along with district-wide marches and the display of black flags in fields to express their dissent against the government’s decision. This protest comes just days after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that the land acquisition process is underway for the Shaktipeeth Highway.
Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, representing Kolhapur, stated that the government is willing to discuss farmers’ concerns and is offering higher compensation to those affected. However, many farmers feel that their voices are not being heard and that their livelihoods are at risk.
This situation highlights the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and agricultural livelihoods. The farmers are standing firm in their opposition, believing that their land is vital for their future and the economy of Maharashtra. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the farmers’ demands and concerns. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for both the agricultural sector and infrastructure development in the state.