Latest News | Ryots Protest Against Expressways, Say 2,800
Get latest articles and stories on Latest News at LatestLY. Nearly 600 farmers staged a demonstration here on Monday to protest against the proposed green expressways as 2,800 acres of agricultural land would be affected.
Coimbatore, Apr 18 (PTI) Nearly 600 farmers staged a demonstration here on Monday to protest against the proposed green expressways as 2,800 acres of agricultural land would be affected.
The farmers were agitated on the announcement by the Central and State governments to start the Kurumbampalaya-Sathyamangalam road, which till take a toll of 800 acres belonging to marginal farmers.
Also Read | Maharashtra: Court Extends NCP Leader Nawab Malik’s Judicial Custody Till April 22.
Similarly, there is a plan for Coimbatore- Karur six-lane green expressway and Coimbatore East Outer Ring Road, as the road would affect nearly 3,000 acres of agricultural land, said farmers.
Speaking at the demonstration, CPI-M MP P R Natarajan accused the government of bringing anti-farmer schemes and questioned as to why the government wanted only the agricultural land for laying of electricity cables and GAIL pipeline.
Also Read | Sensex Sinks 1,172 Points; Infosys Records Worst Slump in Two Years.
A report from the Highways Department revealed the green highway can save only six kms for which the farmers have to let go 2,800 acres of land, he said. Instead, the governments can expand the existing roads and construct flyovers in busy localities to prevent traffic congestion, Natarajan said adding that he had taken the issue to the district administration, minister concerned and also raised it in the Lok Sabha.
Uzhavar Uzhappar Katchi president Chellamuthu, State treasurer of Tamil Nadu Farmers Union Thangaraj, Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Committee chief Isan and Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhakam general secretary K Ramakrishnan were among those who addressed the gathering.
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)