JOIN USThe residents of Nagarahalli and surrounding villages are camping in gomala land, in protest against the move of the district administration to give nod for the crusher units at Nagarahalli on Tuesday.
Over 40 to 45 families from Nagarahalli, Thimmanahalli, Degalapura, and Kularahalli have constructed huts on gomala land in survey number 167 and 168. Over 45 huts have come up on the land on Tuesday. The protesters staged a protest by felling eucalyptus plants and setting fire on it. The villagers have been using gomala land for grazing for the last 16 years. However, the forest department had encroached the land two years ago. The officials had destroyed crops grown by the farmers and planted eucalyptus plants. The DC announced the Gomala land as 'safer zone' and gave permission for the setting up of crusher units. The permission was given to start crusher units to K S Shanthe Gowda and Congress leaders, said the villagers.
Land belonging to Kanive Basaveshwara temple is situated adjacent to the Nagarahalli. If the crusher units start functioning, then it will affect the temple. Farmers have applied under Form number 53 for regularising the gomala land. However, the DC has not disposed of the applications, said the villagers.
“Even MLA B B Ningaiah has failed to come to the rescue of the farmers. If the officials come forward to evict us, then we will gherao them. We will start residing in huts,” said villagers to Deccan Herald.
Deputy Commissioner said that the State government has allowed quarry on gomala land. The district administration has not violated any rules.