Farmers demand relief for IOCL pipeline passing through fields

Farmers of several villages in Rohtak district have sought adequate financial compensation for the IOCL pipeline being laid along their fields.

The farmers pointed out that the value of the fields through which such pipelines pass decreases significantly and the use of the land gets restricted.

The affected farmers submitted a memorandum to the Rohtak Deputy Commissioner, in which they demanded compensation on the pattern of Bhiwani and Sonepat.

The farmers also staged a protest demonstration and raised slogans in favour of their demand.

The protesting farmers told reporters that an underground oil pipeline of the IOCL was being laid to the Panipat refinery.

The pipeline will pass through agricultural fields located in Sisar, Meham, Teetri, Bharan, Bahlamba, Nindana, Kharak, Lakhan Majra villages and towns.

"The installation of the pipeline is being started, but the compensation being provided to the affected farmers is grossly inadequate and less than the relief provided to the farmers in Sonepat and Bhiwani districts," they lamented.

Affected farmers Mandeep Mann, Ranpat, Bhupender, Ajit, Balwan Singh, Dharmender, Sandeep, Deepak, Rohtash, Rajesh, Popan and Ramesh, along with Kisan Sabha leaders Preet Singh, Balwan Singh and Sumit Dalal were present.