Farmers' bandh in Vemagal total

Vemagal town wore a deserted look as farmers had called for a bandh demanding Rs 50 lakh per acre acquired for industrial area development on Wednesday. Farmers blocked roads and staged a protest as well.

Former Legislative Council chairperson V R Sudarshan urged the government to fix the compensation at Rs 50 lakh, lest threatened to intensify the protest.

“When farmers in other parts of the State are against giving up their lands for industrial purposes, farmers in Vemagal and Kuragal gram panchayats have agreed to give 666 acres of land to set up industries. This is a historical move,” he observed.

‘Procrastination’

But the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board, government and public representatives are testing farmers’ patience by delaying compensation, as demanded by the farmers, he said.

“Considering the land rates provided to Narasapura industrial area, the former DC decided the land price in Vemagal and had suggested Rs 35 lakh per acre but the KIADB is planning to offer a meagre Rs 29 lakh, it is learnt. This is very unfortunate.”

Farmers have not been able to grow anything in their land for the past three years besides, they cannot raise loan from the bank. Considering these issues, the government should take a quick decision to disburse compensation to farmers.

In view of the bandh, schools and colleges were shut and even business establishments had downed shutters. Commuters had a tough time as there was no transport facility.