The ground survey for the new alignment of the proposed Shaktipeeth Expressway has commenced in Solapur district, marking a significant step in the project's development. While most of the earlier alignment remains unchanged from Wardha to Dharashiv, the route has been altered in Solapur district. The revised alignment now passes through Satara district, which was not part of the original plan, and then proceeds through Sangli's Kadegaon, Palus, and Walva tehsils before entering Kolhapur district.
Incident of Farmer Obstruction
Three days ago, staff from a private company hired to fix the alignment were obstructed by farmers in Manegaon village of Madha tehsil, Solapur district. The police have booked 32 farmers for allegedly obstructing the work, destroying survey equipment, and attacking the surveyors. A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "In Madha tehsil, the survey has started at five points. We have provided seven to eight police personnel for the safety of the surveyors."
Political Reactions
NCP (SP) leader Sanjay Patil Ghatnekar has condemned the survey process, claiming it is being carried out using force despite farmer objections. "We condemn the use of force and illegal use of law to harass farmers. There was no demand or requirement for the highway. The government intends to carry out land acquisition similarly using force. We, therefore, condemn the police excesses and forceful grabbing of our lands. We will hold a protest rally at Madha tehsil office in June," the leader said.
Land Acquisition Details
In Solapur district, the new alignment of the Shaktipeeth Expressway spans 126 kilometers, requiring the acquisition of 1,700 hectares of land. District Collector S Karthikeyan explained that drone survey and videography are underway. Once completed, the gazette notification appointing the land acquisition officer will be issued, initiating the land acquisition process, known as a 15(2) notification in government parlance. During drone videography, one-kilometer stretches are aerially surveyed at a time, capturing details of buildings, other structures, crops, and more.
Farmer Opposition
Ganesh Ghodke, a leader opposing the Shaktipeeth Expressway, stated, "The government cannot acquire our lands merely by issuing a notification. Farmers can raise objections within 21 days as per Supreme Court guidelines. If the farmers oppose, then the government cannot acquire our land." Notably, elected representatives of the opposition MVA from Solapur district have not taken a clear stand, unlike leaders from Sangli and Kolhapur districts.
In Kameri, Aitavde, and Kurlap villages of Walva tehsil in Sangli district, farmers stopped an SUV carrying survey equipment. They searched the vehicle, found data recorders, and asked the surveyors to delete the data. The farmers then met BJP MLA Satyajeet Deshmukh, who assured them of a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to present their objections regarding the highway.
