Farmers in Bathinda Resist Land Acquisition for Takhat Damdama Sahib Rail Link
In a significant development, farmers from affected villages in Bathinda have firmly declined to provide their land for a proposed railway project aimed at linking Takhat Damdama Sahib. This opposition comes just one day after Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu announced the ambitious initiative, sparking immediate backlash from the local agricultural community.
Farmers Announce Opposition to Land Acquisition
On Saturday, nearly two dozen farmers publicly declared their intention to oppose any land acquisition efforts by the central or state government, particularly if force is employed. They argue that the 42 km long rail link project is politically motivated, designed primarily to appease the Sikh community rather than serve practical needs. Some farmers pointed out that the existing Bangi railway station is only 8 km from Takhat Sahib and could be renovated to have a spiritual aesthetic, making the new project unnecessary. Additionally, they noted that the proposed station at Talwandi Sabo is approximately 6 km from the Takhat, further questioning the project's rationale.
Concerns Over Land Bifurcation and Government Assurances
Key figures such as Gurusar Jaga village ex-sarpanch Bhag Singh and Fatehgarh Nauabad village farmer Gurpartap Singh expressed deep concerns about the potential impact on their landholdings. They revealed that during the initial survey for land demarcation, they had already voiced their opposition and met with officials including Ravneet Singh Bittu, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Bathinda DC, and railway representatives. At that time, they were assured that their demands would be taken into consideration. However, with the recent proposal to acquire their lands, they feel betrayed and are adamant about not allowing the acquisition to proceed. They emphasized that acquiring the land would bifurcate their holdings, rendering them useless for agricultural purposes.
Government's Stance and Project Details
On Friday, Ravneet Singh Bittu announced that the central government has sanctioned the 42 km rail link project with a budget of Rs 1118 crore. This initiative is intended to connect all five Takhats to the railway network, enhancing accessibility for pilgrims and boosting regional connectivity. Despite these benefits, the farmers' resistance highlights a growing tension between development projects and local land rights, underscoring the need for more inclusive planning and dialogue to address community concerns effectively.
