Farmers protest ‘forced land takeover’ for sand storage in Karnal village

Scores of farmers under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) staged a protest in the city on Monday against the alleged attempt to hand over their agricultural land at Mustafabad village to a private mining contractor for sand-storage purposes by the authorities.

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The protesting farmers handed over a memorandum to SDM Karnal Anubhav Mehta and alleged that nearly 24 acres of fertile land belonging to around 10 farmers were being taken without the consent of the farmers or prior notices.

They alleged that the district administration has leased the land to a sand contractor, claiming it to be a legal move under state mining rules. Farmers have rejected this, calling it an unfair act.

Sumit Choudhary, one of the farmers, said, “We were never informed or consulted about taking our land for sand storage. They are offering us Rs 1 lakh per acre as lease without our agreement. We are not ready to give our land to any sand contractor.” He alleged that their paddy nurseries have been damaged by the sand.

The protest was led by BKU president Rattan Mann, who condemned the administration’s action and accused officials of violating the rights of farmers. “They have converted the fields of farmers into sand stockyards without their permission. This is unacceptable. We have been sitting on a dharna at Mustafabad for the past six days, but no official has come to hear our grievances. We will continue our protest until our demands are met,” he said.

SDM Karnal Anubhav Mehta clarified that the process is within the legal framework and land at Mustafabad village is a part of Dabarkipar mining block allotted by the Mining Department under Haryana Minor Mineral Concession, Stocking and Transportation of Mineral and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2012.

“This land has been taken as per rules and appropriate rent has been fixed by the competent authority -- Deputy Commissioner Karnal -- in the interest of farmers,” said Mehta. The SDM further said that the Mining Department has been asked to reach out to farmers to provide land as per rules.