Pune : Former Pune Zilla Parishad member Abhijit Tambile has taken a firm stand on behalf of farmers from Hingangaon, Kandalgaon, and Taradgaon in Indapur taluka. He recently led a delegation of affected landowners to meet Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne, submitting a formal memorandum that calls for the restoration of land rights to the original owners. Tambile emphasized that the struggle is not just a legal battle but a fight for the livelihood and justice of families who have been sidelined for decades.
Background of the Land Acquisition and Current Neglect
The government originally acquired these lands in the 1970s for the Ujani Dam project, specifically to excavate soil and gravel. While the farmers made significant sacrifices by surrendering their property for the public good, a large portion of this land was never actually utilized for the project. Currently, these vast stretches of land lie barren and overgrown with thorny bushes and shrubs, rendering them unproductive. Tambile argued that since the government has no active use for these plots, they should be returned to the original owners to prevent further degradation.
Social and Economic Impact on Affected Families
The memorandum highlights that losing their primary source of income has pushed many farming families into deep financial distress. Despite the lack of official ownership, many project-affected farmers have spent their own money to pay water taxes and develop the land for cultivation. However, they continue to face constant legal hurdles and administrative challenges regarding possession. The lack of adequate rehabilitation or alternative employment opportunities has turned this into a serious humanitarian issue, threatening the survival of several rural households.
Call for Policy Intervention and Government Action
Abhijit Tambile pointed out that although former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had previously issued sympathetic orders regarding land possession, a permanent solution remains elusive. He urged the government to hold discussions with Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil to establish a concrete policy. The demand specifically calls for the protection of rights for the original owners of approximately 2,000 acres of land. A petition signed by 72 local affected farmers was handed over to Minister Bharne to underscore the urgency of the matter.
Official Assurance from Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne
In response to the delegation, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne assured the farmers that their grievances would be taken seriously. He stated that the government would review the complaints of the Ujani Dam-affected farmers and issue necessary instructions to the relevant departments to initiate appropriate action at the state level. The local community is now anxiously waiting to see if the administration will finally deliver a decision that secures their ancestral land and future.
