Farmers staged a protest at the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises on Wednesday, demanding compensation of ₹3 crore per acre for fertile agricultural land being acquired for the proposed Belagavi–Dharwad direct railway line project.
The protesting farmers raised slogans demanding compensation based on the prevailing market value of their land. They warned that unless adequate compensation is provided, they would oppose the acquisition of their agricultural properties for the railway project.
“Give us appropriate compensation according to the market value of our land, or else we do not need this railway line,” the protesting farmers said.
The demonstration was led by Choonappa Pujeri, a leader of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene. Addressing the protesters, Pujeri clarified that farmers are not opposed to development projects but object to what they consider inadequate compensation for highly productive agricultural land.
“We are not against development. However, offering only around ₹30 lakh per acre for fertile agricultural land worth crores of rupees is unacceptable. The government must provide fair compensation to affected farmers and consider adopting a compensation model similar to the one used for the Bidadi Township project,” Pujeri said.
The farmers urged the government and district administration to reconsider the compensation rates and ensure that landowners receive compensation reflecting the actual market value and agricultural productivity of their properties.
Following the demonstration, representatives of the protesting farmers submitted a memorandum to the district administration outlining their demands and grievances.
MLC Channaraja Hattiholi visited the protest site and expressed solidarity with the farmers and their demand for fair compensation. Farmer representatives Prakash Nayak and Shivanand Dodawada were among those present during the agitation.
The Belagavi–Dharwad direct railway line is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving rail connectivity between the two cities. However, farmers affected by the land acquisition process have demanded that the project proceed only after adequate and fair compensation is ensured for their agricultural land.
