Farmers Stage Protest and Lock MPRDC Office Over Ujjain-Jawra Highway Compensation
In a significant demonstration of discontent, farmers affected by the proposed Ujjain-Jawra greenfield highway staged a protest on Sunday, locking the office of the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC). The agitation, centered in Ujjain, was driven by demands for higher compensation and greater clarity regarding land acquisition awards.
Protest Details and Farmer Grievances
Approximately 100 to 150 farmers from the Nagda-Khachrod, Ghattiya, and Unhel areas gathered at the MPRDC office in the afternoon. They conducted a sit-in, vocally raising slogans to highlight their concerns over inadequate compensation. The protest escalated when officials failed to disclose the proposed award amount per bigha, prompting the farmers to lock the chain gate of the premises.
Farmer leader Rahulsingh Rajput emphasized that the protest was primarily triggered by a lack of transparency in the process. "Farmers are insisting that the compensation amount be disclosed before any award is finalized. The current rates are unacceptably low, and we are demanding at least Rs 25 lakh per bigha," he stated firmly.
Official Response and Discussions
Revenue officials, including Sub-Divisional Magistrates from Ujjain, Ghattiya, and Nagda-Khachrod, promptly arrived at the scene to engage in discussions with the protesting farmers. Officials acknowledged that guideline rates in interior rural areas are relatively low, which has contributed to widespread dissatisfaction among landowners.
Vijaysingh, the divisional manager of MPRDC, noted that farmers have been protesting for several days, persistently seeking enhanced compensation. "They staged a sit-in at the office and locked the gate. However, through constructive discussions, the situation was brought under control," he reported.
As a resolution step, officials instructed farmers from Nagda-Khachrod to meet with the local SDM on Monday for further deliberations. Following these assurances, the protesters eventually dispersed from the site.
Project Overview and Implications
The Ujjain-Jawra greenfield expressway project, valued at Rs 2,418 crore, spans an extensive 102 kilometers. This ambitious infrastructure initiative is set to impact over 60 villages across the Ujjain and Ratlam districts. Designed as an access-controlled corridor, it aims to connect with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Jawra.
A critical timeline aspect is its targeted completion ahead of Simhastha 2028, underscoring the project's regional significance. The protest highlights ongoing challenges in balancing development goals with fair compensation for affected communities, a recurring issue in large-scale infrastructure projects across India.
