Land Surveying For Shaktipeeth Highway Begins

The Department of Land Records has issued survey notices to a few farmers, and the land measurement process is scheduled to take place between May 21 and May 25. However, many affected landowners claim they have not received any formal notice, leading to growing anxiety and suspicion within the farming community.

Villagers have previously voiced strong opposition to the highway project. A special gram sabha held in Bandya passed a unanimous resolution against the proposed route. As a result, tensions are expected to rise with the start of the survey. In a previous incident, residents of Tamboli Vade village halted the land measurement work, setting a precedent for potential resistance.

While Sawantwadi Sub-Divisional Officer Hemant Nikam recently met with farmers in Degve to seek their cooperation for the highway project, opposition remains strong. In Bandya, locals have formed an Action Struggle Committee to organize and lead protests against the project.

Originally, the highway development plan included the names of 356 farmers. However, subsequent changes to the plan have reduced the number of affected landowners. Currently, only a select few have received notices, and the Gram Panchayat has not been formally informed, further adding to the villagers’ confusion.

With the land survey underway amid local resistance and administrative opacity, there is a high possibility of confrontation between the authorities and the villagers in the coming days.