Solapur | Correspondent
Solapur District Collector S. Karthikeyan has assured farmers that their interests will remain the administration’s top priority in the proposed Shaktipeeth Highway project and that every effort will be made to ensure they receive fair and just compensation.
The assurance was given during a positive discussion held on Monday afternoon between the Shaktipeeth Highway Support Committee (Malshiras Taluka) and the district administration at the Collector’s office. The meeting lasted nearly 40 minutes and focused on concerns raised by farmers whose lands are likely to be acquired for the highway project.
Among those present were prominent farmers and committee representatives, including Vikramsinh Mane-Deshmukh, Ninad Patil, Kiran Patil, Balaji Magar, Sandeep Mane-Deshmukh, Rahul Mane-Deshmukh, Dhairyashil Mane-Deshmukh, Viraj Gharage-Deshmukh, Bharat Mane-Deshmukh, Shivajirao Mane-Deshmukh, and Vijay Mirge.
During the meeting, farmers highlighted several issues related to land acquisition. One of the key concerns was the discrepancy between the “Potkharab” (uncultivable) land recorded in revenue documents and the actual irrigated land existing on the ground. Responding to this concern, Collector Karthikeyan said that compensation would be determined after assessing the actual condition of the land rather than relying solely on official records.
The discussion also covered the issue of farmers whose entire landholding is proposed to be acquired for the highway. Committee members requested that such fully affected landowners be provided alternative land near proposed interchange locations. The Collector assured them that these concerns would be carefully examined.
Addressing the most important issue for farmers—the amount of compensation—the Collector reiterated that the administration would stand by affected landowners and ensure that compensation is both adequate and equitable.
Separate Meeting Planned in Malshiras
Collector Karthikeyan also announced that he would personally hold a separate meeting in Malshiras Taluka with farmers from the 12 villages affected by the project.
“I will interact directly with the farmers and address their concerns on the ground. All genuine issues will be resolved through dialogue. Farmers should not pay attention to rumours or misinformation,” he said.
The delegation also submitted a memorandum urging the administration to ensure that all affected farmers receive fair compensation and justice during the land acquisition process for the Shaktipeeth Highway project.
000
.jpg)
