Kolhapur: The Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti has called for an all-party rally on May 19 to strategize against the revised alignment of the Pavnar to Patradevi (Nagpur-Goa) Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Expressway. The notification regarding the new alignment was issued on May 5, 2026, and it is expected to impact 78 villages in the Kolhapur district.
Farmer Discontent and Rally Plans
Following the announcement, farmers residing in the affected villages have voiced widespread discontent. To facilitate dialogue and address their grievances, the Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti has organized a rally at Shriram Society Hall, Kasba Bavda in Kolhapur. The Samiti's convenor, Girish Phonde, stated, 'Various resolutions reflecting the demands and concerns of the farmers affected by the Shaktipeeth Highway project will be tabled during this public rally.'
Written Demands Submitted
On Monday, farmers from Ajara and Bhudargad tehsils submitted a written statement of demand to their respective tehsildars, calling for the complete cancellation of the Shaktipeeth project. Sampat Desai, a farmer from Ajara, voiced strong opposition, saying, 'If the highway is constructed according to this new alignment, it poses a grave risk of triggering severe floods. Furthermore, approximately 6,000 acres of agricultural land will be adversely affected, which will, in turn, impact the sugarcane crushing operations of local sugar factories. The hardships faced by villages already grappling with the menace of wild animals are expected to intensify significantly. The project also poses a serious threat to the environment.'
The rally aims to bring together affected farmers, political representatives, and activists to formulate a unified strategy against the expressway project, which they believe will cause extensive damage to agriculture, livelihoods, and the local ecosystem.
