Farmers of Bawani Khera up in arms over power towers in fields

Farmers of Baliyali, Sumra Khera, Jatu Luhari, Dhanana, Mandhana, and Badesra villages of the Bawani Khera region under the banner of All India Kisan Sabha demanded fair compensation for the 400 kV electricity towers being installed in their fields from Siwani in Bhiwani to Sonepat district.

Addressing the protest, Kisan Sabha district vice-president Comrade Om Prakash, State Committee member Ramotar Baliyali, Dr Balbir Thakan, and farmer leader Santosh Deswal said the installation of towers in farmers’ fields restricted the farmers from constructing tubewells, farmhouses or activities in their own fields. They alleged that the land value dropped by half due to the presence of high-voltage lines which also poses a constant risk to farmers and their families. The sound and electromagnetic waves from the wires also have adverse effects on those working in the fields, they alleged.

The AIKS demanded that the farmers should be paid compensation at market rates, and the company should provide royalty for 25 years for the power lines. They declared that until fair compensation and royalty agreements are finalised and payments are made, the farmers will not allow towers to be erected in their fields.

They alleged that the state government was neglecting the farmers and labourers as both were suffering today. However, the administration and the government are not taking interest in resolving their problems. The farmers also held a protest demonstration at the Deputy Commissioner office on the issue.

The farmers staged a protest demanding fair compensation for the installing the towers in their fields, proper drainage of waterlogging, government procurement of millet, cotton and paddy at the minimum support price (MSP), Rs one lakh per acre compensation for damaged crops, compensation for damaged houses, 200 days of work under MGNREGA with Rs 600 daily wages and availability of quality seeds and fertilisers.

Those present at the protest included advocate Sohan Lal, Gaurav Thakral, Vijay Thukral, Rajender Thukral, Pawan Poonia, Dhan Singh Poonia, Satyawan, Ishwar, Vinay, Deepak, and Prem from Dhanana, and Ranbir from Badesra etc.