Wants project canceled, not halted: Opposition to new highway

Even as the Maharashtra government has decided to temporarily halt the land acquisition process for the 802-km Nagpur-Goa highway project amid farmers’ protests, the opposition has clarified that the demand is to permanently cancel the project which will cost the government Rs 80,000 crore. Plublic treasure.

The issue is expected to be raised in the next budget session of the state legislature, Congress MLC Satej Patil said.
The Indian Express reported on Tuesday that the state government was planning to halt the land acquisition process after its defeat in the Lok Sabha polls and ahead of the assembly elections.

“Our demand has never been to temporarily stop the land acquisition process in anticipation of the next polls. Not only is the project unfeasible, but it aims to largely destroy agriculture. Building a new road parallel to the existing road is unfeasible. The government is using delaying tactics, but we remain firm on our demand for cancellation of the project,” Patil said.

He added that the issue will be raised in the budget session and the government will be forced to answer this question.

State Minister Dada Bhuse, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, said the government would not rush to launch the project.

Festive offer

“If there are any grievances from farmers regarding land acquisition, we will sort out all the issues and proceed only after that,” Bhuse said.

Farmer leader Raju Shetti from Hatkanangle said we would be happy if the minister was ready to hear the grievances of farmers.
“But our main problem concerns the feasibility of this project. The toll amount on the existing road is already well below expectations and the government is considering adding an additional road. How can this be a feasible project? asked Shetti.

The farmer leader said if the government wants to make farmers happy, they should think about renting the land, which would give them a regular amount, or consider the cost of land as part of the total project expenditure, which would give them a regular amount. would also provide a share in the toll.

First published online on: 06-19-2024 at 10:00 p.m. IST