A recent meeting in Gumla brought together members of the Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha to address concerns surrounding the Bharatmala Project, specifically the widening of National Highway 43 (NH-43). The primary issue discussed was the reluctance of local farmers to surrender their land for the road expansion.
Farmers Voice Concerns Over NH-43 Widening
The meeting, held at the Indoor Stadium in Gumla and led by Binjhu Uranw, focused on the impact of the NH-43 widening project, a key component of the larger Bharatmala Project. Farmers at the meeting expressed deep worries about the potential loss of their land and the resulting disruption to their livelihoods. Many depend on their farms for their income and well-being.
Jagarnath Uranw, coordinator for the Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha, emphasized the strong opposition among residents to giving up their land for the project. The Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha is dedicated to supporting these farmers, advocating for just compensation, and ensuring proper rehabilitation efforts are in place.
Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha’s Stance
The organization believes that while improved connectivity through projects like the Bharatmala Project is important, it should not come at the expense of displacing local communities and negatively impacting their way of life. The Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha plans to actively engage with government authorities and project developers to negotiate a resolution that adequately addresses the concerns of the affected farmers. Considering issues such as land rights is very important.
Seeking Fair Solutions and Compensation
The Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha is seeking firm assurances that individuals impacted by the NH-43 widening will receive fair compensation and the necessary support to rebuild their lives. “People are not ready to give land for the road widening,” stated Jagarnath Uranw, Coordinator, underscoring the community’s resolve. The organization hopes to find a path forward that balances the need for infrastructure development with the crucial protection of community interests and livelihoods. Learn more about community development projects.
The outcomes of these discussions are significant for the future of the Bharatmala Project and the communities along NH-43. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing large infrastructure projects with the rights and well-being of local populations. The efforts of the Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha emphasize the critical importance of community involvement and equitable compensation in large-scale development initiatives, ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the cost of local communities.