RAJKOT: The farmers protesting in Gandhian way were welcomed by teargas shells by police in Badi village of Ghogha taluka in
Bhavnagar district. The farmers are opposing taking possession of their land acquired before two decades for mining lignite.
The farmers are opposing the taking possession by a contractor of state run
Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (
GPCL) and demanding to acquire the land as per the new land acquisition act 2013. A farmer leader Narendrasinh Gohil said “We came to protest in Gandhian way by giving the roses to police personal and officials of state government but they took it otherwise.” According to police sources two rounds of teargas shells lobbed to disperse the mob. The mob even after police’s violent action showed nonviolent gesture and gave roses. The mob of nearly 2,000 people of surrounding villagers started Dharna in Badi village demanding justice.
GPCL has acquired 1,415 hectares of government and private land in three mining blocks — Ghogha-Surka, Khadsaliya-I and Khadsaliya-II, of the total 2,980 ha required. The remaining 1,565 ha will be acquired in phases once the power plant, which is to be set up by GPCL subsidiary Bhavnagar Electric Company Ltd (
BECL), is fully commissioned.
The land was acquired from 1,250 farmers in 12 villages of Ghogha taluka about two decades ago. The government has acquired the land in Badi, Padva, Hoidal, Malekvadar, Morsal, Thoradi, Rampar, Surka, Alapar, Khadasaliya, Thadsar and Lakhanka villages between the years 1997 to 2005.
