The land acquisition process for the proposed external ring road project around Nashik, initiated in preparation for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela next year, has failed to gain momentum due to intense opposition from local farmers. On Friday, farmers agitated outside the district collectorate to draw the administration's attention to their concerns.
Slow Progress in Land Acquisition
Over the past two months, the revenue administration has managed to acquire only 67 hectares of the total 365 hectares required for the road, which is being developed by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC). The outer ring road project spans a total length of 65.65 km and is designed to streamline traffic and connectivity around the city before the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Alignment and Villages Affected
The alignment passes through 25 villages, including 22 from Nashik taluka and three from Dindori taluka. Following opposition from some villagers, land acquisition is being carried out through direct purchase, including a 25% premium over compensation as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013.
The Union and state governments have collectively sanctioned a budget of approximately Rs 7,100 crore for land acquisition and construction work. While the administration has declared land awards for 19 villages, the actual pace of acquisition slowed significantly after an initial momentum on March 31, when 33.5 gunthas of land were acquired in Manori village of Dindori taluka.
Farmer Resentment and Protests
The slow progress is primarily attributed to growing resentment among farmers over village-wise compensation rates announced by the administration. Affected landowners have expressed concern that the current alignment will cut through fertile agricultural fields and demolish residential structures, causing extensive damage to private properties.
“Revenue officials are not giving proper treatment to the farmers from Matori-Mungsare-Chandshi. The altercation involving senior officials from the administration has led to farmers now aggressively demanding a revision of the current alignment to safeguard our lands and livelihoods. We held a protest today at the district collectorate with the sole demand to change the alignment,” said one of the farmers who agitated outside the collectorate on Friday.
Impact and Efforts to Resolve
The infrastructure project directly impacts roughly 1,250 land survey groupings and nearly 1,967 farmers. In an attempt to break the deadlock and resolve misunderstandings, the district administration has been conducting village-level meetings. Officials said more than 55% of farmers have shown willingness to hand over their land through mutual consent.
“However, persistent technical hurdles coupled with localized opposition are threatening to delay the entire acquisition process. Despite the challenges, the administration has set a June-end deadline to acquire the remaining 298 hectares of land,” a senior officer from the district administration stated.
