Ninora Village, Ujjain: Pillars supporting massive steel structures erected on a base of solid concrete, roads and asbestos toilets have come up almost overnight on farmer Sajjan Singh's 25 bigha farm. The arrangements are being made for a seminar on Simhasth, expected to be attended by dignitaries from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Presidents of Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Activists allege the government has done little to ensure minimum damage to the 3,300 hectares (nearly 8,000 acres) of farm land it has temporarily acquired for the ongoing Simhastha Kumbh mela.
Obviously, Mr Singh is worried. The construction will damage his land and to restore it for agriculture will require more than just time and money. "The problem is that we will not be able to do farming for the next two years as there have been beam columns set up which has disturbed the soil. We have got Rs 1 lakh compensation but will need at least Rs 2 lakh to restore the land," he said.
Social activist Sachin Rai says, "The government has acquired fertile land, it would have been better if they had acquired barren land. Carcinogenic substances like asbestos are being used to make toilets and that will also make the land there barren."
The state government which has already given compensation to the farmers now says it could consider increasing the amount.
Bhupendra Singh, Transport Minister and Simhasth in-charge says, "If there are farmers who are worried because permanent construction happening on their farmland is making it barren, then we will meet them. And, if needed we will give them more compensation."
Activists allege the government has done little to ensure minimum damage to the 3,300 hectares (nearly 8,000 acres) of farm land it has temporarily acquired for the ongoing Simhastha Kumbh mela.
Obviously, Mr Singh is worried. The construction will damage his land and to restore it for agriculture will require more than just time and money. "The problem is that we will not be able to do farming for the next two years as there have been beam columns set up which has disturbed the soil. We have got Rs 1 lakh compensation but will need at least Rs 2 lakh to restore the land," he said.
The state government which has already given compensation to the farmers now says it could consider increasing the amount.
Advertisement
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Simhastha Kumbh Ends With Final Sacred Bath On Saturday Sadhvi Pragya On Hunger Strike, Health Worsens PM Narendra Modi Addresses Conference On Simhastha Kumbh In Ujjain: Highlights Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Siddaramaiah's Swipe At Governor Amid Calls For Resignation: 10 Points Kolkata Rape-Murder: Fractures, 150 mg Semen, Other Claims Denied By Cops Widows Living In UP Shelter Homes Send Handmade Rakhis To PM Modi Watch: Russian Woman Travels In Mumbai Local Train, Chats With Passengers Germany To Cut Down Military Aid For Ukraine In 2025: Report Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.