CITU and Himachal Kisan Sabha organise a Four-Lane Affected Persons’ Convention at Kali Bari
Under the joint call of Himachal Kisan Sabha, CITU, and other organizations, a convention of those affected by the four-lane highway project was held in Kali Bari, Shimla. The primary demand raised was for compensation for the houses recently demolished in Bhattakufar, Shimla, and the damage caused to six other nearby houses. Additionally, immediate arrangements were demanded for the rehabilitation of residents whose houses were declared unsafe and vacated. There was also a call to form an expert committee—including engineers from both the state and central government—to assess the damages. If possible, the committee should evaluate the losses under judicial supervision.
Addressing the convention, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, State President of Kisan Sabha, stated that the four-lane project has not only affected Shimla but also other areas in the state where construction is underway. He emphasized that environmental concerns are being ignored in all developmental projects, including hydroelectric projects, railway lines, transmission lines, and airports. Dr. Tanwar pointed out that Himachal has a large number of small and marginal farmers with limited land for livelihood. While their lands are being acquired in the name of development, they are not receiving fair compensation. The Kisan Sabha demands compensation at four times the market rate under Factor 2 instead of Factor 1, as also ruled by the Honorable High Court.
He further explained that while 45-55 meters of land is acquired for four-lane construction (for which farmers receive compensation), the cutting of hills at 60-90-degree angles destabilizes adjacent land, leading to landslides. Illegal dumping of construction debris is also damaging grazing lands, farms, and water sources. However, neither the state government nor the National Highway Authority addresses these issues. The district’s evaluation committee, which was supposed to review progress monthly, has failed to do so. Farmers are paying a much higher price for the four-lane project than just the acquired land, and these concerns must be addressed by revising compensation policies.
Sanjay Chauhan, addressing the convention, urged affected individuals to unite and fight for their rights, stating that demands cannot be met without organized struggle. He called for a protest on July 16 at the National Highway Authority’s office in Chakkar, Shimla, urging maximum participation. Chauhan also announced plans to hold meetings in affected panchayats between Kaithlighat and Dhalli, intensifying the movement.
Jayashiv Thakur, Secretary of Kasumpati Kisan Sabha, also spoke at the event.
Over 200 affected individuals from nine panchayats between Kaithlighat and Dhalli attended the convention, including recently affected families like Ranjana Verma, Reena Rapta, L.R. Kaudal, Brijalal, Sushil Sharma, Yogesh Verma, Sanjay Sharma, Yogesh Sharma, Chetan, Kamlesh Shandil, and Rishi Rathore.
Representatives from various organizations, including Vijendra Mehra, Jagat Ram, Vivek Kashyap, Ramakant Mishra, Phalma Chauhan, Sonia Sabarwal, Jagmohan Thakur, Rajendra Chauhan, Pratap Thakur, Anil, and Sunny, were also present.
