In a landmark moment ending a three-and-a-half-decade struggle, 200 farmers in Sardamai village, Chhibramau tehsil, Kannauj, finally received their official land records on September 26, 2023. The distribution ceremony marked the closure of a painful chapter that began when the original revenue records were destroyed in a devastating fire back in 1990.
A Long-Standing Administrative Hurdle
The roots of this delay trace back to the land consolidation process initiated in 1980. While physical possession of the land changed hands in 1987, the formal process was thrown into complete disarray by the 1990 blaze that consumed the crucial revenue documents. This loss created an insurmountable barrier for the farmers, preventing them from proving ownership and, consequently, from availing benefits under numerous government agricultural and welfare schemes. The stalled consolidation was officially cancelled in 2009, leaving the farmers in a state of limbo.
The Path to Resolution
A renewed effort to resolve the issue began on September 23, 2016. For seven more years, the process inched forward. The decisive action came from District Magistrate Ashutosh Mohan Agnihotri, who on the day of the distribution, cancelled the long-pending consolidation proceedings of September 26, 2023. His order effectively restored the original 1980 revenue stream, clearing the legal path for the creation of new records.
Following this critical administrative order, fresh land records were meticulously prepared. The task of handing over these precious documents to the grateful farmers fell to Deputy Collector Avinash Gautam, who presided over the emotional ceremony in the village.
A New Dawn for Sardamai's Farmers
The farmers expressed profound relief and happiness upon finally holding the papers that affirmed their rights. For 35 years, the lack of these records had excluded them from state support meant for landowners. With the legal hurdle now removed, they can officially access benefits under various government schemes, including subsidies, loans, and insurance, which are vital for their livelihoods and agricultural productivity.
This resolution underscores the impact of administrative persistence in addressing historical injustices. The journey from the fire of 1990 to the distribution in 2023 highlights a significant, albeit delayed, victory for the farmers of Sardamai, promising them a more secure future.
