Kolhapur: Farmers from Walva tehsil and members of Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti and Sheti Bachao Samiti in Sangli district organized a bike rally on Thursday to oppose the Pavnar to Patradevi (Nagpur-Goa) Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Expressway project. The rally saw large participation from villagers of Masuchiwadi, Junakhed, Borgaon, Walwa, Urun, Kameri, Yedenipani, Itkare, Yelur, Kurlap, and Aitwade Khurd in Walva tehsil, who carried placards and saffron flags.
Protesters' Demands
Dhanaji Gurav, a member of the Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti, stated, "The government is not making decisions in the interest of farmers but against them. Considering the adverse effects this highway will have on the environment and farmers, we demand that the Shaktipeeth project be cancelled. Our protest will continue until our last breath."
Land Transactions Halted
Recently, the revenue department stopped land purchase and sale transactions for over 1,352 survey numbers from 11 villages in Walva tehsil, Sangli district. Provincial officer Srinivas Arjun issued orders prohibiting the transfer, conversion, or purchase of land that will be acquired for the Shaktipeeth Expressway project.
Project Details
According to the new highway layout released on May 5, the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Highway will pass through 13 districts and 40 talukas, including Wardha, Yavatmal, Nanded, Hingoli, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Solapur, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg. It will connect 21 religious places, including major Shaktipeeths of Maharashtra like Mahur, Tuljapur, and Kolhapur. The highway is expected to reduce the current 18-hour journey from Nagpur to Goa to about eight hours.
