Anger is mounting among farmers in Gujarat’s Morbi district, where protests against new power transmission towers and line corridors have intensified. The unrest began after 21 farmers were booked by police for burning effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on September 17, but no further action has been taken yet.
On Friday, more than 9,000 farmers staged a dharna at the Morbi Collectorate, joined by counterparts from neighbouring districts. Their grievance stems from notices served on September 23 to landowners whose fields are affected by the 765 kV Halvad Transmission Line and the 800 kV Transmission Line. The notices demanded farmers appear before a Market Rate Committee (MRC) within two days to discuss compensation.
Farmers argue that the government’s compensation formula is unfair and accuse authorities of siding with companies over cultivators. “Why is the government with companies, and not us?” protesters asked, highlighting the clash between development projects and agrarian rights.
At Jetpar village’s Satyagraha Chhavani, farmers vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met. The protests reflect broader tensions in Gujarat, where infrastructure expansion often collides with agricultural livelihoods.
