Problems in Building NH 150 C: Farmers in Gadwal District Suffer
The Bharath Mala Pariyojana is a major infrastructure project by the Government of India. It aims to improve the country’s economic connectivity with a six-lane economic corridor. This corridor, National Highway 150 C, will stretch from Sholapur to Chennai through Kurnool.
The project covers 707 km and passes through several states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. It involves both updating existing roads and creating new ones. The project is expected to be finished by December 2025, costing around ₹15,000 crores.
However, a 39.9 km section from Raichur-Gadwal road to Julekal village is facing big problems. The main issues are with land acquisition and giving compensation to the affected farmers.
Farmers’ Concerns Over Compensation
Farmers are upset about how compensation is being handled. They say that despite promises, the process has been inconsistent and delayed. Initially, officials promised ₹475,000 as the first installment, with double the amount if farmers chose arbitration within a month.
But, farmers claim they have faced many hurdles in getting this arbitration amount. Lower-level officials are reportedly ignoring the orders from higher authorities, including the district collector.
Impact on Local Agriculture
The highway construction has also disrupted local farming. It has divided farmland into two parts, often within the same survey number. This forces small farmers to take long detours to access their land on the other side of the highway.
The lack of service roads and underpasses makes things worse, increasing travel time and costs for farmers.
Protests and Pleas for Resolution
Some farmers have protested by trying to stop the road construction. They want service roads and enough underpasses to easily access their agricultural lands. These are essential for them to continue farming without extra difficulties.
Appeals to District Authorities
Farmers have also sent petitions to the district collector, BM Santhosh. They are asking him to address the negligence of revenue and land acquisition officials. They want their promised compensation released quickly and the construction of necessary infrastructure to reduce the negative impact on their livelihoods.
Contractor’s Perspective
Highway contractors say that service roads and extra underpasses were not part of the original plan. However, the farmers’ concerns highlight the need for better planning that considers both development and the welfare of local communities.
The NH 150 C project promises significant economic benefits but has caused problems for local farmers in Gadwal district. Issues with compensation and the need for infrastructure like service roads and underpasses need immediate attention.
District authorities and NHAI officials must work together to resolve these concerns. This will ensure the project progresses smoothly without hurting the farmers’ livelihoods. Addressing these issues quickly will benefit local communities and help complete the Bharath Mala Pariyojana, enhancing economic connectivity across the region.
