In Kot Shamir village of Bathinda, farmers started protesting for proper compensation for the land acquired under the Bharat Mala project of the Central Government. A heavy police force had to be called to stop the farmers. During this, a clash was seen between the farmers and the police. After which the police took many farmers into custody. Similar conditions were seen in Mansa as well. The police also fired tear gas shells at the farmers.
Demanding proper compensation
Farmers are demanding proper compensation from the government. Farmers say that the government has not given proper compensation for their land. Whereas the DC of Bathinda says that the farmers have been given as much compensation as is due for their land. Farmers are demanding Rs 70 lakh per acre of land, while they have been given Rs 47 lakh.
What is Bharat Mala Project
Bharatmala Project is a development project of a national highway. It includes development projects connecting the border and international. This project also includes ports and roads, improvement in national corridors and development of national corridors.
This is the reason for the dispute
The National Highway Authority of India is constructing 669 km of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Greenfield Expressway. Its work is going on in several phases. This highway will go up to Jammu-Katra. But the matter is stuck regarding land acquisition at many places in Punjab. Farmers are demanding proper compensation from the government.