The long-standing dispute surrounding the Halga–Machhe Bypass Road witnessed a significant development on Monday, with Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan assuring farmers that the disputed lands will be re-surveyed, waterlogging issues caused by the road will be resolved, and the district administration will provide all documents sought by farmers for their ongoing court case.
The assurance came during an inspection visit to the bypass project site, following a memorandum submitted last Friday by a delegation of farmers led by Ramakant Konduskar, who alleged that the construction work was being carried out illegally and demanded an immediate halt.
When the DC reached the site on Monday morning, a large group of farmers, including leaders Ramakant Konduskar, Raju Marve, and Prakash Nayak, surrounded him and insisted that the bypass project be cancelled, claiming that it had severely affected their livelihoods and destroyed fertile agricultural land.
Trying to pacify the agitated farmers, DC Roshan urged dialogue, stating, “There is no complexity in life; we create it. Let us sit together, exchange ideas, and find a solution. Allow me to address this first.” The farmers demanded access to the original work order and notification linked to the road project.
Roshan assured them that the administration would ensure complete transparency, addressing their three primary concerns:
- Legal Documents: All documents required by farmers for the ongoing court matter will be provided.
- Waterlogging: Officials will visit affected sites in Vadgaon and Yellur to determine technical measures to drain accumulated water.
- Land Records: Survey numbers will be verified, and corrections will be made where discrepancies exist. If land not acquired is wrongly included in notifications, names will be removed; and where land is actually affected, notices will be issued.
Speaking to the media, the DC noted that work on the bypass had remained stalled for a decade due to court proceedings. However, after a recent High Court order, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has resumed construction.
“The farmers are our brothers. We respect their agricultural contribution. Whatever decisions are needed will be taken within the framework of the law after inspection,” Roshan said.
Officials and engineers from NHAI and the district administration were present during the inspection.