Nearly 500 farmers marched from Harola Community Centre to the Noida Authority office in Sector 6 on Thursday, staging a protest over their long-pending demand for developed plots. The demonstration highlighted the ongoing struggle of landowners who claim the Authority has failed to deliver on its commitments.
Farmers Vow to Continue Protest
"We have decided to continue our protest until our demands are met," said Sukhvir Khalifa, president of the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad. He alleged that the Authority acquired land from farmers but did not provide developed plots to several affected families. In 2024, farmers had protested on the same issue, leading the state government to form a high-level committee comprising the director of the revenue department, the divisional commissioner of Meerut, and the district magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar. "It has been almost two years, but there is no update on the committee's recommendations," Khalifa added.
Long Wait for Plots
Nearly 2,950 farmers are due 5% and 10% developed plots. Suresh Kumar, a resident of Sarfabad village, expressed frustration: "Nearly 20 years have passed and we are still waiting." Kumar, whose 32 acres of land were acquired by the Noida Authority in 2006, noted that while compensation was received, the developed plots were never allotted. "We demand that the government address our concerns and fulfil its commitments," he said.
Protest Details
Led by Khalifa, the farmers reached the Authority office around 1 pm. Accompanied by a DJ sound system, they played music and raised slogans in support of their demands. The police implemented multilayered security arrangements, deploying ropes and iron barricades to prevent the farmers from advancing further towards the Authority premises.
The farmers set up tents outside the main office and began their protest under the scorching June sun. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, coupled with limited shade, led to dehydration and exhaustion among several protesters. Later in the afternoon, rainfall disrupted the demonstration, forcing many to disperse and return home.
Official Response
Police personnel and Noida Authority officials later held discussions with the farmers. Kranti Shekhar, officer on special duty (OSD) of the Noida Authority, said that officials were in talks with the protesting farmers and efforts were being made to resolve their issues. A meeting of farmers with Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh has been scheduled for Friday.
Background of the Dispute
The protest stems from a long-standing land dispute between farmers and the development authority. Over the years, the Noida Authority acquired large tracts of agricultural land for urban development projects. A group of farmers approached the Allahabad High Court, which in October 2011 ruled in their favour, granting a 64.7% increase in compensation along with 10% developed residential plots. Prior to the judgment, farmers were compensated for their land and were entitled to 5% developed plots. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision in May 2015.
While the Noida Authority has largely disbursed the additional compensation awarded to landowners, the allotment of developed plots remains incomplete due to a shortage of available land. The farmers continue to press for the fulfilment of their entitlements.
