Nashik: Farmers from 14 villages affected by the Nashik Ring Road project, as well as those from the Chinchkhed-Dindori area near National Highway 29, have decided to fight against the government's policy. They have resolved to launch a non-cooperation movement starting August 25 and to organise a march from Nashik's Golf Club Ground to Mumbai's Azad Maidan on the same day.



A meeting of the farmers affected by the Ring Road project was held at the Kalika Mata Temple Hall in Nashik under the leadership of Karan Gaikar, the founding president of Chhava Krantivir Sena. Farmers from the 14 villages in Nashik Taluka and the area affected by National Highway 29 participated in the meeting in large numbers.



It was noted during the meeting that Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule had appointed an inquiry committee regarding the alignment of the Nashik Ring Road; however, the committee's report has not yet been released. Resolutions were passed stating that no land acquisition, land measurement, or other related processes should commence until the report is made public. Allegations were also raised that farmers affected by the Ring Road project are being pressured through threats of a 25% reduction in compensation.

Complaints were also voiced regarding irregularities in the Ring Road's alignment. Farmers stated that they had previously submitted evidence to the government against certain officials and the concerned company. They questioned why the land acquisition process based on the same disputed alignment was proceeding through the district administration, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), and the MSIDC, despite claims that action had been taken against the guilty parties. Doubts were also raised regarding the KYC process in the Pathardi area. The farmers expressed a firm resolve not to cooperate with the land acquisition process until the inquiry is concluded. Karan Gaikar suggested that the administration should adopt a positive approach rather than exerting pressure.



It was decided to organise a march from the Golf Club grounds to Azad Maidan in Mumbai on August 25 at 10:00 AM to draw the government's attention to the demands of farmers affected by the Nashik Ring Road project. Additionally, on August 28, affected women farmers plan to present their demands to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis while tying *Rakhi* on him. Demands raised during the meeting included halting the land acquisition process in the 14 affected villages until a final decision is reached regarding the Ring Road's alignment and compensation, and suspending land survey work for Highway No. 29 (specifically in the Chinchkhed to Jopul area) until the compensation issue is resolved.



A large number of farmers from the areas affected by the Nashik Ring Road and Highway No. 29 projects participated in the meeting.