'We are helpless': Gujarat farmers on hunger strike over Adani land compensation

In the scorching heat of Morbi, Gujarat, a protest has been brewing for weeks. Hundreds of farmers, mostly from the Patidar community, have set up a protest camp under a shamiana, demanding higher compensation for land being used for high-voltage power transmission infrastructure. The project is being executed by Halvad Transmission Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd, for the Khavda Renewable Energy Zone in Kutch district.

The farmers began their agitation on June 9, with a hunger strike starting on June 17. The protest has seen dozens of participants, including women and children, with some requiring medical attention. The farmers claim that the transmission towers and cables will render their land uncultivable and reduce its market value significantly, yet the compensation offered is a fraction of the current land value.

Ramjibhai Nanjibhai Bhadja, a 65-year-old farmer from Jetpar village, said that nearly 70% of his 12-bigha holding will be taken for the project. His land, located next to a state highway, is valued at around Rs 40 lakh per bigha. For the 8.3 bigha affected, he expects only Rs 30 lakh in compensation. "We are helpless," said his son Amitbhai, who is also participating in the fast. "The government is ignoring us."

The farmers allege that police have detained some protesters. Morbi Superintendent of Police M N Patel said that detentions occurred only when farmers blocked the Halvad-Maliya highway without permission. He added that police have been cautious given the sensitivity of the issue, and that no minors were detained—children insisted on joining their mothers in police vehicles. Some policewomen were reportedly injured during the incidents.

The project involves a 756 kV DC transmission line stretching 246 km from the KPS-2 Pooling Station in Khavda to a new switching station in Halvad, Morbi. The line is critical for evacuating power from one of India's largest renewable energy zones. However, farmers argue that the compensation process does not account for the long-term loss of livelihood.

The protest has attracted political attention. The Gujarat Congress launched a statewide protest rally on June 15, aligning with the farmers' demands. The ruling BJP has not officially responded but has been careful not to antagonize the powerful Patidar community, which has historically played a pivotal role in elections and movements in the region.

On the 13th day of the fast, The Indian Express visited Jetpar, where nine farmers were on hunger strike. Supporters gathered with national flags, and mini trucks brought more protesters to the "Upwas Chhavni" near the bus stand. Among those fasting were brothers Rakeshbhai and Bharatbhai Amrutiya, aged 57 and 51 respectively.

The farmers' demands remain unmet, and the protest continues. They seek a fair compensation package that reflects the true value of their land and the loss of agricultural productivity.