Latest news with #RajuShetti
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Effort needed to avoid floods due to Almatti discharge: MP
Kolhapur: MP Shahu Chhatrapati on Wednesday declared that a coordinated effort will be made to appeal to higher authorities to establish proper control over discharge from Almatti dam, in a bid to avoid floods in Sangli, Kolhapur, and Satara districts of the state. "We will soon present the Almatti dam issue to the Central Water Commission and the water conservation department in Delhi. Coordination needs to be maintained between the irrigation department and other stakeholders, similar to the committee established between Maharashtra and Karnataka over Almatti dam. If the discharge from the dam is managed, flood control can be achieved," the MP said during a meeting at Govt Rest House. Also present were farmers' leader and former MP Raju Shetti, coordinator of Maharashtra-Karnataka flood control committee, Sangli irrigation department superintendent Chandrashekhar Patole, Kolhapur irrigation department superintendent Abhijeet Mhetre, executive engineer Smita Mane, Irrigation Federation district president Vikrant Patil-Kinikar, Krishna River Flood Control Committee coordinator Sarjerao Patil, Shiv Sena (UBT) district convenor Vijay Dewane, NCP (SP) district president VB Patil, and farmers. Members of the Krishna River Flood Control Committee bombarded irrigation department officials from Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur with questions about increased storage in dams and failure to maintain coordination with the Almatti dam administration in Karnataka. Shetti said, "Experts from World Bank have asked for a detailed project report (DPR) for a Rs3,200 crore flood control project here. But this DPR should include actual work in which obstructions in the flow of rivers are removed. Creating drainage works won't solve the issue. Shaktipeeth will worsen the flood situation." Patil-Kinikar said, "Almatti dam was constructed in 2005. Since then, flooding has increased in Kolhapur and Sangli. People can shift, but farmers face losses ." Krishna River Flood Control Committee coordinator Patil said, "There is additional water storage in Almatti even today. Why are Central Water Commission guidelines not being followed? IMD provides weather alerts. If the irrigation department follows them, they could have taken action in advance. If there is a flood in Kolhapur and Sangli, who will be responsible for it?" Irrigation officials outlined the work done by the dam administration to maintain coordination between them and Almatti administration.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Why is the Rs. 86,300 Cr Shaktipeeth Expressway facing massive farmer protests across 12 Maharashtra districts?
Shaktipeeth Expressway: The Shaktipeeth Expressway is an ambitious ₹86,300 crore infrastructure project in Maharashtra, designed to connect Nagpur in the east to Patradevi in Sindhudurg on the Goa border. The 802-km six-lane greenfield expressway aims to reduce travel time, boost logistics, and promote regional development. However, the expressway has triggered widespread farmer protests across 12 districts, making it one of the most controversial projects in the state's recent history. Why Are Farmers Protesting the Shaktipeeth Expressway? The expressway, stretching over 802 kilometers, will pass through Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg. Over 55,000 agrarian families are reportedly affected by the land acquisition drive. Farmers allege that the government is planning to acquire around 27,000 acres of fertile agricultural land, much of which is irrigated and has supported generations of rural livelihoods. The resistance is particularly fierce in districts like Sangli, Beed, and Hingoli, where protests have included road blockades on national highways such as the Sangli-Kolhapur route and Pune-Bengaluru National Highway. Many fear that even with compensation, the loss of land will permanently affect their way of life. Concerns have also been raised about the parallel alignment of this expressway with the existing Ratnagiri-Nagpur Expressway, questioning the need for another similar route. Shaktipeeth Expressway: Political and Social Backlash The Shaktipeeth Expressway has sparked political controversy, with opposition leaders and farmer groups like the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leading protests. On Krushi Din (July 1), thousands of farmers across 12 districts staged 'chakka jam' blockades, disrupting highway traffic to oppose the land surveys. Shaktipeeth Expressway Land Acquisition: Overview Shaktipeeth Expressway: Regions Affected by the Expressway The expressway will pass through key regions in eastern, central, and western Maharashtra, impacting both agricultural and tribal areas. The alignment overlaps with productive farmlands, increasing rural resistance. Shaktipeeth Expressway: Farmers main concerns Below are the required Farmers Main Concerns listed: Land Acquisition and Compensation: Farmers argue that the acquisition process is proceeding without adequate dialogue, with fears of poor or delayed compensation and permanent loss of fertile land managed by families across generations. Redundancy and Economic Viability: Farmers' leaders, including Raju Shetti of Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathana, have questioned the project's necessity, highlighting that the expressway runs parallel (2 to 30 km apart) to the existing Ratnagiri-Nagpur National Highway (NH166), which itself is running at a loss. Impact on Livelihood: Especially in Marathwada, many farmers claim the project will hurt economic stability by displacing horticulture and agricultural communities. Consultation Deficit: Representatives like MP Vishal Patil have demanded village-level consultations rather than unilateral imposition of the project by the government. Shaktipeeth Expressway: Maharashtra Government's Response Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the expressway as a transformative infrastructure venture that will stimulate economic growth in Marathwada and western Maharashtra, comparing its impact to the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway. The government believes the expressway will foster regional development and improve connectivity to important religious sites, or Shaktipeeths. However, the government also faces pressure to address farmers' grievances and evaluate project viability seriously, with ongoing studies by IIT-Roorkee and IIT-Hyderabad regarding traffic, toll collection, and financial feasibility. FAQs 1. What is the Shaktipeeth Expressway and where will it run? Answer: The Shaktipeeth Expressway is a proposed 802-km long, ₹86,300 crore greenfield highway connecting Nagpur to Patradevi (Goa border), passing through 12 Maharashtra districts. 2. Why are farmers protesting the Shaktipeeth Expressway? Answer: Farmers are protesting because the project may acquire 27,000 acres of fertile agricultural land, affecting over 55,000 families, threatening their livelihoods and traditional farming. 3. Which districts in Maharashtra are affected by the Shaktipeeth Expressway? Answer: The expressway will pass through 12 districts, including Nagpur, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, and others. These areas are rich in cultivable and irrigated lands, raising concerns among locals. 4. Is the Shaktipeeth Expressway different from the Ratnagiri-Nagpur Expressway? Answer: Critics claim it runs parallel to the Ratnagiri-Nagpur Expressway, questioning its necessity. The distance between the two expressways is as little as 2 to 30 kilometers in some regions. 5. What is the Maharashtra government's stance on the protests? Answer: The government has approved funding and maintains the project will enhance infrastructure. However, it faces intense backlash for inadequate dialogue with farmers and compensation concerns. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Farmers hit streets against Shaktipeeth Highway project
Farmers and public representatives staged coordinated protests across parts of western Maharashtra and Marathwada on Tuesday, opposing the proposed Shaktipeeth Highway project. Agitations were staged in Sangli, Dharashiv, Nanded, Beed and Parbhani districts, with demonstrators blocking key roads as part of a 'rasta roko' and raising slogans against the State government. In Sangli district, hundreds of protesters gathered at Ankali Phata and blocked traffic on the Sangli-Kolhapur Highway, causing major disruptions. (HT) The protest was led by the Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Kruti Samiti and saw participation from former MP and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti, Sangli MP Vishal Patil, and MLA Kailas Patil, among others. In Sangli district, hundreds of protesters gathered at Ankali Phata and blocked traffic on the Sangli-Kolhapur highway, causing major disruptions. Police detained several protesters during the agitation. Lok Sabha MP Vishal Patil said, 'Before the 2024 assembly elections, the government had claimed the project was cancelled. But now, the process has resumed without taking farmers into confidence. The government must not impose the project — instead, they should conduct village-wise consultations.' Raising broader concerns, Raju Shetti said the existing Ratnagiri–Nagpur Road project by the National Highway Authority is already running at a loss. Since the Shaktipeeth Highway would run parallel to that route, Shetti demanded that the project be reconsidered. 'IIT Roorkee and IIT Hyderabad are currently studying traffic projections, toll viability, collection periods, and financial implications of highway infrastructure. Based on their findings, a report should be presented to the public regarding the potential toll burden and the risks of this unnecessary project,' Shetti said. Farmers alleged the highway would require the acquisition of fertile farmland, affecting their livelihoods and displacing hundreds of families. Holding placards and shouting slogans, they accused the state government of ignoring local concerns and fast-tracking the project without proper consultation or compensation. 'This land has been with our families for generations. The government is forcing this project without understanding ground realities,' said one protesting farmer. Despite the rain, the protests saw strong participation, reflecting the intensity of public opposition. Several local leaders and elected representatives extended support to the agitation, demanding that the proposed alignment be either reconsidered or scrapped entirely. Police were deployed in large numbers at protest sites to maintain law and order. Traffic movement was affected in multiple locations for several hours. The state cabinet last week approved ₹ 20,787 crore for the proposed highway that will start from Pawanar in Wardha district in Vidarbha to Patra Devi in Sindhudurg, at the southern tip of the state. One of many flagship projects of the BJP-led Mahayuti government, the 802-km expressway will sweep through 12 districts, linking key spiritual sites, or Shaktipeeths. It also aims to cut Nagpur-Goa travel time from 18 to 8 hours. The government has said that the Shaktipeeth Highway is proposed to improve road connectivity between prominent religious destinations in Maharashtra. However, its alignment and land acquisition plans have triggered widespread dissent among farmers, particularly in Sangli and adjoining districts. Protesters warned of intensifying their agitation if the government fails to respond to their demands.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Farmers' protest against Shaktipeeth disrupts traffic on national highways
Kolhapur: Thousands of vehicles travelling on national highways in western Maharashtra and the Marathwada region experienced disruptions and were stranded for nearly three hours on Tuesday. The delay was caused by the chakka jam protest conducted by farmers under the banner of Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti across 12 districts. The farmers opposed the proposed 802km Shaktipeeth project, which aims to connect Pawnar in Wardha district to Patra Devi in Sindhudurg district. The project is estimated to cost Rs 86,000 crore. The protest was led by farmers' leader Raju Shetti, former MLA Ruturaj Patil, and former MLA Raju Awale at Panchaganga bridge in Shiroli. Traffic on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway 48 at Panchaganga bridge in Shiroli, and the Nagpur-Ratnagiri National Highway 166 at Ankali Phata in Sangli district was affected by the protest. Protests also took place on the Kalyan-Nirmal National Highway 222 in Nanded, the Latur-Mumbai National Highway 548B, and in Hingoli, further impacting highway traffic. Despite the police earmarking alternative routes, many vehicles remained immobilised for nearly three hours. Nadgowda Vallari, a truck driver from Bengaluru, said he had been stuck near the Tawade hotel in Kolhapur for two and a half hours. "My truck is a four-axle truck with heavy industrial machinery on it. I can't think of entering small city roads," he said. Omkar Salunkhe, a traveller from Gandhinagar, said, "I wanted to travel merely 5km to reach Shiroli. The alternative route, via Kasba Bawda-Shiye, is nearly 18km long. Therefore, instead of taking the alternative route, I am stranded here waiting for the protest to conclude." A significant police presence was maintained at the protest sites. In Kolhapur, some protesting farmers attempted 'jalsamadhi' by jumping into the swollen Panchaganga river at Shiroli bridge, but were prevented by the police. Sushila Patil, a farmer from Kogil village in Kolhapur, said, "Govt is not allowing us to die, nor to live. If our farmland is acquired, how will we survive? What will we eat? My family of eight survives on our small piece of farmland. What will we do if all the farmland gets acquired for this project? If they (officials) come for land acquisition, we will teach them a lesson. We will die, but won't give our farmland." Police had issued a notice to Raju Shetti, urging him to refrain from reaching the protest site, but he did not comply. Shetti said, "Getting wet in the rain, farmers in large numbers are protesting against govt because they want to save their farmlands. The Shaktipeeth highway will further increase the severity of floods in Kolhapur and Sangli districts. CM Devendra Fadnavis, on July 6, will be coming to the Vitthal-Rukmini temple at Pandharpur for the Ashadi-Ekadashi puja. Before that, on July 4, the farmers will pray at Vitthal-Rukmini temple, requesting Lord Vitthal to give the CM some sense to cancel the Shaktipeeth project." Meanwhile, opposition party MLAs and MLCs protested in front of the legislative assembly on Tuesday, demanding the cancellation of the project. MLC Satej Patil, MLC Ambadas Danve, Jitendra Awhad, and others attended the event. Satej Patil addressed the issue during the monsoon session of the assembly, stating, "We are celebrating Agriculture Day on Tuesday. Farmers from all 12 districts have to come on the roads on the same day to save their farmlands. When there already is a Nagpur-Ratnagiri National Highway with only 25% traffic movement, why is there a need to construct another highway, destroying fertile land?" Satish Kulkarni, who heads the Nanded local action committee of farmers against the Shakitpeeth highway, said: "Around 300 farmers from Nanded distrcit will be affected. We all have well-irrigated agricultural lands that receive water from Upper Penganga and Purna dams. No govt compensation can cover our damage," he said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Highway blockade today to protest against Shaktipeeth
Kolhapur: The state is bracing for traffic disruptions as the Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti — supported by INDIA Bloc parties and the Retired Govt Employees and Teachers Association — will stage a highway block protest across 12 districts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The agitation, coinciding with Maharashtra Agriculture Day, aims to bring highway traffic to a standstill in Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg. The protest stems from the state cabinet's recent approval of a substantial Rs20,787 crore to fast-track the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Highway (High Speed Expressway) project. This project seeks to connect Pawanar (Wardha district) in eastern Maharashtra to Patra Devi (Sindhudurg district) on the Maharashtra-Goa border. Highway authorities have already started land mapping and surveys for acquisition, reportedly under police protection, which has fuelled opposition from farmers. This swift action, despite farmer objections, has directly led to the call for the highway blockade. Farmers' leader and former MP Raju Shetti has issued a stern warning to political representatives and sugar mill owners in Kolhapur and Sangli districts. He urged them to publicly clarify their position on the Shaktipeeth Highway, stating that "time will not forgive them" if they fail to do so. Shetti, while speaking to the reporters on Monday, said, "If you are true, then you don't have to fear the govt. This highway is being created only to make a scam worth Rs50,000 crore. The people's representatives of Kolhapur and Sangli districts, and especially the sugar millers, should clarify their stance against Shaktipeeth; otherwise, time will not forgive them." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In Kolhapur district, the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway will be blocked at the Panchaganga Bridge in Shiroli. In Sangli district, the protest will be held at Ankali Phata on the Nagpur-Ratnagiri National Highway. Meanwhile, the police department has planned traffic diversions to avoid inconvenience to the commuters due to the protest. Inspector Nandkumar More of the city traffic branch, while talking to TOI, said, "All vehicles moving towards Pune from Kagal side will be diverted from Ujlaiwadi bridge and will proceed via Shahu Toll Naka, Tararani Chowk, SP Office Chowk, Kasba Bawda, Shiye Phata, and then towards Pune." He added, "The same road will be used for vehicles arriving from Pune to move towards Kagal and Karnataka side. The traffic diversions will be in place from Tuesday 8am until the protest ends."
