Gujarat Farmers Adani Transmission Line Protest Expands Statewide Over Fair Compensation Demand
Home StateGujaratGujarat Farmers Adani Transmission Line Protest Expands Statewide Over Fair Compensation Demand

Gujarat Farmers Adani Transmission Line Protest Expands Statewide Over Fair Compensation Demand

Protesting landowners reject revised government compensation policy and threaten to dismantle infrastructure across Saurashtra if demands remain unmet

by P D

What began as a localized movement in Morbi district has now grown into a massive regional agitation. The Gujarat farmers Adani transmission line protest has rapidly transformed into a statewide movement across Saurashtra. Landowners are fiercely opposing the installation of 765-kV power transmission infrastructure on their fertile agricultural fields.

Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. is building a 240-kilometer corridor through its subsidiary, Halvad Transmission Ltd. This critical power line will evacuate electricity from the world-class Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Kutch. However, affected villagers argue that massive utility towers severely damage their agricultural livelihoods. Consequently, protest leaders announced plans to submit formal memorandums to district collectors across Gujarat.

[Khavda Power Transmission Infrastructure Overview]

├──► Developer          : Halvad Transmission Ltd (AESL)

├──► Transmission Capacity : 765-kV High-Voltage Link

├──► Total Route Length : 240 Kilometers Across Saurashtra

├──► Power Source       : Khavda Renewable Energy Park (Kutch)

└──► Primary Demand     : 400% Market Rate Land Compensation

Additionally, agitation committees are currently forming at the taluka level to mobilize thousands of agricultural workers. Demonstrators have established protest camps, called “Chhavani,” in Jetpar village to voice their ongoing frustration. Furthermore, daily gatherings feature community prayers and symbolic displays of resistance against both corporate and state authorities.

Protesters Expand Agitation Beyond Morbi to District Level

The resistance initially ignited on June 1 when contractors attempted to install power poles on private farmland in Jetpar. Since that day, the agitation has gathered overwhelming support from agricultural communities across Saurashtra. Organizers claim over 19 lakh people have already signed petitions supporting the movement. Moreover, nearly 1,000 supporters gather daily at the central protest site in Morbi.

Local committees are now organizing rallies to strengthen the Gujarat farmers Adani transmission line protest across Saurashtra. Meanwhile, farmer leaders explicitly warned state officials against ignoring their legitimate socio-economic grievances. Some agitating farmers even threatened to dismantle installed electricity poles if their primary compensation demands remain rejected.

Furthermore, political leaders across party lines have extended their informal backing to the protesting agriculturalists. Activists point out that high-voltage lines disrupt farming operations on thousands of bighas of land. Consequently, an estimated 5.5 lakh rural families could face long-term economic hardship due to land devaluation.

Why Revised Government Compensation Guidelines Fell Short

Responding to mounting public pressure, the Gujarat state government recently revised its official land compensation policy. State ministers announced that payouts would now equal twice the prevailing market value instead of statutory jantri rates. Additionally, the government abolished staggered payment plans in favor of a single upfront digital transaction.

Comparison of State Guidelines vs. Protesting Farmer Demands

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

  • State Offer : 200% Market Value + 1 Meter Base Expansion
  • Farmer Claim : 400% Market Value + 230% RoW Corridor Pay
  • State Method : Market Rate Committee via Lottery Selection
  • Farmer Goal : Direct Negotiation & Complete Rerouting

State officials revised compensation norms, yet the Gujarat farmers Adani transmission line protest continues to gain momentum. Farmers firmly rejected the revised guidelines during a mass assembly in Jetpar. Specifically, protesters demand a minimum of 400% of market value for tower installation sites. Moreover, they insist on 230% of market rates for overhead Right of Way corridor clearance.

Policy Metric Revised State Policy Farmers’ Demand
Tower Base Payment 200% Market Value 400% Market Value
Overhead Cable Pay 30% Rural Market Value 230% Market Value
Payment Schedule 100% Upfront Single Pay Advance Lump-Sum Payment
Valuation System Lottery System via MRC Transparent Direct Assessment

Economic Toll and Environmental Concerns on Agricultural Lands

Agriculturalists emphasize that installing massive power towers permanently reduces the usability and commercial value of fertile fields. Heavy construction equipment compacts topsoil, while high-voltage lines hinder automated farming equipment operations. Land values near high-tension towers have plummeted, driving the Gujarat farmers Adani transmission line protest to demand complete rerouting.

Furthermore, farmers strongly object to the government’s newly introduced “lottery system” for selecting property valuers. They argue that random selection undermines fair market valuation and penalizes landowners unfairly. Therefore, agricultural unions insist that official transit corridors must bypass prime cultivated lands entirely.

Adani Energy Solutions Responds to Mounting Landowner Agitation

Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. released an official media statement addressing the ongoing regional disputes. The company stated that it remains fully committed to engaging transparently with affected landowners. Moreover, AESL emphasized that local civic administrations determine all legal compensation rates fairly.

Company representatives maintained that dialogue remains open despite the growing Gujarat farmers Adani transmission line protest. However, the firm alleged that external vested interests are instigating innocent villagers against infrastructure progress. Consequently, authorities granted permission for transmission work to continue under police protection if necessary.

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