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Farmers in Gujarat have announced plans to intensify their protest against the Adani transmission line project, arguing that compensation offered for land affected by power transmission infrastructure remains inadequate despite the state's revised policy. While the government recently enhanced compensation for land used for transmission lines and towers, farmer groups maintain that the revised framework does not sufficiently address the long-term impact on land use, agricultural activities and livelihoods. The dispute has renewed focus on balancing infrastructure development with fair compensation for affected landowners.
Farmer organisations in Gujarat have announced plans to intensify their agitation against the Adani power transmission line project by expanding protests across the state, arguing that concerns over compensation and the impact of transmission infrastructure on agricultural land remain unresolved. The development comes despite the Gujarat government's recent revision of its compensation framework for land used for electricity transmission lines and towers.
The protests are centred on agricultural land through which high-voltage transmission lines are being laid as part of the state's expanding power transmission network. Farmers have maintained that while the revised compensation policy represents a change in the government's approach, it does not sufficiently compensate landowners for the long-term restrictions imposed on cultivation and future use of their properties.
Earlier, the Gujarat government revised compensation norms applicable to privately owned land used for the installation of transmission towers and overhead electricity lines. The updated policy increased compensation payable to landowners and aligned the state's framework more closely with guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Power. The revised structure provides compensation for both the area occupied by transmission towers and the corridor affected by overhead transmission lines, with payments linked to prevailing land values.
However, several farmer groups have argued that the revised rates remain lower than compensation offered for other public infrastructure projects involving land acquisition. They have also raised concerns that the presence of transmission towers and high-voltage lines reduces agricultural productivity, restricts future development of the land and affects long-term property values.
Organisations leading the agitation have stated that demonstrations will be expanded beyond local project-affected villages to other districts if their demands are not addressed. They are seeking a review of the compensation framework, greater consultation with affected landowners and safeguards for farmers whose properties fall within transmission corridors.
The transmission project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Gujarat's electricity network and facilitate evacuation of power generated from renewable energy projects, particularly those located in the state's renewable energy hubs. Expansion of transmission infrastructure has become increasingly important as Gujarat continues to add solar and wind generation capacity to meet growing energy requirements.
The dispute highlights the continuing challenge of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects while addressing concerns of affected communities. Although transmission lines typically require right-of-way access rather than outright acquisition of land, farmers have maintained that restrictions associated with the infrastructure have long-term economic implications.
With farmer organisations preparing to widen the agitation, discussions between stakeholders are expected to remain focused on the adequacy of compensation, implementation of the revised policy and measures to minimise the impact of transmission infrastructure on agricultural land.
Source- PTI
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