Mandi, Kullu farmers worried over land acquisition for Leh rail project

Farmers and residents of Mandi and Kullu districts have raised concern over the land acquisition for the strategic Bhanupalli-Leh railway project. ‘Burjis’ – temporary support structures -- are being installed for railway track in Mandi.

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Local communities have raised concerns over the lack of consultation, transparency and adequate compensation as the project proceeds without addressing their concerns. The proposed railway line, which passes through densely populated areas, has caused widespread anxiety among the affected residents, who are worried about the adverse social and economic impacts.

Dinesh Kumar Sharma, who lost his five bigha for the Kiratpur-Manali fourlane project in Mandi a few years ago, is apprehensive that he would be displaced once again for this ambitious project. He told The Tribune that the circle rates for land were quite low, which was a cause of concern. "There is a need to provide adequate compensation for the loss of land to the affected farmers and rehabilitate them. We have already suffered a lot because of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway project and now it will be difficult to bear the brunt again,” he added.

Murari Sharma, another resident, stated, "Earlier I lost my house for the Kiratpur-Manali highway project. Facing huge hardships, I constructed a new house at another place. Now after Burji installation, I am apprehensive that my house will be acquired for this railway project once again. It came to notice that railway junction is being created in the Nagvain area. The railway line alignment should go through barren land instead of acquiring fertile land for this project."

Brig Khushal Thakur, a prominent leader heading the movement for the fair rehabilitation of displaced farmers, has been vocal in demanding fair compensation and resettlement for those whose lands are being acquired. Since January 2015, Thakur has been spearheading the efforts to raise the grievances of farmers who have faced land acquisitions for various infrastructure projects, including roads, rails, and airports. He has urged the state government and railway authorities to follow due process and ensure transparency in the acquisition process.

Thakur has also called on the government to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Indian Railways Act, the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 and the Himachal Pradesh Land Rules of 2015, which were designed to protect the interests of landowners in rural areas.

"The acquisition process, particularly in relation to Section 20A of the Railways Act, has come under scrutiny for its failure to engage with the local panchayats and conduct a social impact assessment. Locals claim that the railway authorities have bypassed consultations, leading to a perception that their voices are being ignored," he added.

Thakur said that many individuals, whose land had already been acquired for the construction of the Nangal-Kiratpur railway line, would again face displacement due to the ongoing acquisition process. This, according to him, would result in "great injustice" to the affected communities.

The railway project promises to boost economic activity in the region, but the locals remain skeptical about the long-term benefits, especially when the authorities concerned are seen to disregard their rights and concerns.