Need Justice to the Farmers, who are Suffering because of Halga- Macche Bypass land aquicision at Belgaum

 Currently, the burning issue in the Belgaum area is the ongoing farmers' agitation for the cancellation of the Halga-Machche bypass. This struggle of the farmers is not of today but for many years the voice of Halga-Machche

bypass has been raised. But in the last few days, it has intensified and the cause is just as important. The main reason for the agitation is the use of force by the police in Belgaum for the construction of the Halga-Machche bypass road. Trying to grab land by force despite strong opposition from farmers is tantamount to intrusion. The National Highways Authority has set up National Highway no.4 Preparations started for Halga-Machche bypass road connecting National Highway No. 4A from Belgaum to Goa. But farmers have been opposed to the project since its inception. Even bullock carts, tractors, animals were taken out for the protest. Statements were made to the Collector several times. Even when Union Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone of the project, farmers had protested. The project has been opposed by farmers since the time the United Progressive Alliance government was formed. But despite the opposition of the farmers, the administration has forcibly started the road work using the police force. About 153 acres of fertile land will be taken for this 220 feet wide and 9.5 km long bypass. All these lands are suitable for agriculture and thrice a year sowing is done here. Despite strong opposition from farmers to give up their fertile land, the administration has tried to remove the agitating farmers using police pressure. Police in riot gear stormed a rally on Friday, removing hundreds of protesters by truck. Many farmers took the vows in their hands to stop the work but the police forcibly detained them with the vials in their hands. Amit Angolkar, a young farmer, warned police to climb the tree and jump. But under the pressure of the contractor, the police have started putting more pressure on the farmers. Akash Angolkar, a young man, set himself on fire and tried to attempt suicide. Police and bystanders tried to extinguish the fire and save him.The administration is trying to destroy the farmers in the name of development to get their fertile land. The administration has bulldozed the vertical crop by detaining several farmers. The outcry at the agitation site is heart wrenching and the atmosphere seems to be simmering more and more against the Halga-Machche bypass.Ravi Gokakkar, counsel for the farmers in the High Court, said that the court has stayed the proceedings and the administration has started the work without showing zero point. But all these instructions have been ignored by the Highways Authority.The present Zero Point is located near the Fish Market in the city. The Zero Point is expected to be replaced after the bypass work is undertaken.However, the court adjourned the case, questioning how the Zero Point on National Highway 4A was on National Highway 4. And directed to take orders from the District Civil Court regarding Zero Point. The district court also directed that the bypass work could not be started without showing the zero point as the Highways Authority had not submitted any affidavit regarding the zero point here as well.However, under the political pressure, the Highways Authority has started this work by forcing the interests of some political leaders. According to the ordinance issued in 2009, the land of the farmers who have been compensated has not yet gone to the project. Crops are still grown there. But according to the farmers, there is a lot of corruption by creating accounts in the name of bogus farmers.No compensation has been received for the land currently being acquired. Importantly, the farmers have also suggested a proposed route for the bypass, which passes through waste land, so that the government can build the bypass at a lower cost. But even there, the farmers have alleged that the proposal was ignored for political gain.Farmers are preparing for agitation till justice is served as the ruthless administration is trying to destroy the fertile lands of the farmers.