Yellur Village in Belagavi is back in the headlines as its Gram Panchayat (GP) has clashed with the district administration after the Deputy Commissioner issued a notification requiring the GP to give up 44 acres of land for the development of a National level indoor stadium.
In response, the Yellur GP members convened a meeting and passed a resolution to oppose the move, citing that the land is currently being utilized for grazing cattle. This contentious issue has sparked a heated debate between the GP and the district administration, with both sides standing firm in their respective positions.
The visit of a team of district officials to conduct an inspection of the land for the proposed project further incensed the villagers, as the notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil came as a shock to them, as the issue had been in cold storage for some time.
The Yellur GP claims that many farmers are dependent on the land, which also houses a government school, a temple, a garbage depot, and a few houses. The notice has ordered the GP to vacate all these structures. The land meant for grazing cattle is spread over 66 acres and 17 guntas, of which the district administration is asking them to surrender 44 acres. The GP members argue that if the takeover happens, the remaining 22 acres and 17 guntas will not be sufficient for the villagers to graze their cattle.
In light of this, the GP members are now planning to take the legal route to fight their case and protect the livelihoods of the villagers who depend on the land.
On earlier occasions as well the villagers have opposed this.