Government should stop destroying fertile agricultural land!

On 11 July, a delegation of more than 50 peasants' representatives under the banner of ‘Kisan Bachao Morcha’ (which was established to fight against forced takeover of agricultural land) marched to New Delhi to meet the Chief Minister of Haryana, Bhupendar Singh Hooda. On this occasion, the correspondent of People’s Voice talked to representatives of the Morcha -  Mr. Jasvir Singh Riyad, Fuman Singh Kanwar, Sarvjeet Singh Panch Vaidwala, Som Sethi, Balvinder Singh Oulakh, Dhunichand, Ashok Batla, Nirmal Singh (former Sarpanch), Mahendra Singh Khajakheda, Sardar Mahendra Singh, Dhanvant Singh and Suba Singh Panch Vaidwala and asked them questions related to their struggle.

PV: What is the reason for your visit to Delhi?

The Congress led Government in Haryana is going to take over the agricultural land in the Sirsa district to use it for industrial growth. The livelihood of 600 farmer households and 11,000 people dependent on agriculture will be affected by this event.

PV: How will they be affected?

They will be finished. In 2005, the government took over the agricultural farmers’ lands in sectors 19 and 20 at a price of Rs.123 per square yard. The farmers were unable to buy more agricultural land with this measly amount. They lost their homes and livelihood. Justice was not delivered even after knocking at the doors of the judiciary.

PV: Under which project is your land being taken over?

It is being done to develop HUDA Sector 21 as Industrial Area – Phase II, a project to be implemented by the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC). The land acquisition happened in the pretext of implementing ‘people’s welfare projects’ and very few of these projects have actually been implemented. For example, only 60-70 percent of the four industrial areas, that were set up in the last 40 years in the city, have developed. Since the anticipated industrial development did not take place in these areas, the very same land was given for residential use. Not more than 10 percent of this land has been inhabited. The second example is, the land acquired by HSIIDC in 1994-95 in Hisar Road, where the government has been trying very hard to set up industrial units by giving various subsidies. In spite of these subsidies there is only 40 percent development in this area.

PV: Does Sirsa district require these developmental projects of the Government?

No, not at all. In fact, Sirsa district is a fertile area. The land here is considered to be very productive. Last year farmers in this area registered a record breaking yield. Industrial growth is not required here, in fact, the government needs to increase allocations for agriculture.

PV: What are your demands?

Our first demand is that the Haryana Government should immediately enforce a law to stop land acquisition without proper planning. Second, they should take over wasteland and barren land for industrial development. Third, the government should acquire land only under the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy 2007. Fourth, the government should pay enough for the taken over land, so that the displaced farmer can buy an equally fertile land and sustain his livelihood.

PV: What did you discuss with the Chief Minister?

We traveled 280 kilometers to talk to the Chief Minister. We even met him and gave him our memorandum. Even though 10 am had been fixed for a meeting with him, he did not listen to any of our problems nor did he give us any assurances.

PV: Would you like to say anything else in this matter?

The political system and process in our country is not accountable for livelihood and prosperity of the people. Projects implemented by the government are not at all in sync with real needs of the people. The country can not progress by taking away or destroying the livelihood of the people. Real development means ‘prosperity of the people’

PV: What will be your next strategy?

Sixty five years ago this land was totally barren. Farmers have toiled giving their blood and sweat to make this barren land fertile. We will not let the land go out of our hands so easily. This is a question of our livelihood and our future. We will take this struggle forward.