Greater Noida – A major farmers’ Maha Panchayat began on Wednesday near the Galgotias underpass in Greater Noida, with hundreds of farmers arriving on tractors to raise their long-pending demands related to land acquisition, compensation, population plots, and rehabilitation. The protest is being held under a united front of multiple farmer organizations against the Yamuna Authority and Greater Noida Authority.
Farmers Raise Their Voice Loudly
Through this Maha Panchayat, farmers are not only voicing their grievances that have been pending for years, but also showcasing renewed unity and strength after internal divisions weakened their movements in the past. Previous protest attempts under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha were thwarted due to the arrest of farmer leaders, leading to distrust and fragmentation within the groups.
Key Demands of the Farmers
After a long interval, major farmer organizations such as the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), Kisan Ekta Mahasangh, Jan Jawan Jai Kisan Morcha, and several others have come together to form a united platform. The farmers demand:
- An additional 64.7% compensation for land acquisition
- 7% reservation of developed plots for affected villagers
- Rehabilitation benefits for those displaced due to the Jewar Airport project
- Implementation of leaseback policy
- Employment opportunities for local youth in industrial units
Farmers Affected by Multiple Development Projects
The issues raised in the Maha Panchayat concern farmers affected by various development projects under Greater Noida Authority, Yamuna Authority, and Bulandshahr Development Authority. These include projects by private builders and institutions such as Ansal Builder, Hi-Tech Group, NTPC, DMIC, DFC, UPSIDC, and Shiv Nadar University.
Demand for 4 Times Compensation
Farmers are demanding that those whose lands have been acquired should be given compensation at four times the market rate. Additionally, they want landless individuals to receive at least 120 square meters of land and a minimum of 20% of the developed plots to be reserved for local populations. Other key issues raised include the development of rural areas, toll tax relief, and employment for youth.
The Maha Panchayat represents a renewed push by farmers to get justice and hold development authorities accountable for past promises.