Farmers from Six Districts Gather at Yamuna Expressway, Announce March to Lucknow

Greater Noida, UP: Thousands of farmers from six districts of Uttar Pradesh held a massive Mahapanchayat at Zero Point on the Yamuna Expressway on Monday, demanding action on issues arising from land acquisition. The gathering, organized under the banner of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), included farmers from Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Hathras, Mathura, and Agra. BKU national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait led the protest.

The farmers warned that if their demands are not addressed by 14 January, they will march to Lucknow to escalate their protest.

Massive Mobilization
Farmers began arriving at Zero Point from 10 AM, traveling in tractors, trolleys, and cars. Security was heightened with a large police presence to maintain order. The Mahapanchayat lasted approximately five hours, during which the farmers raised concerns related to Noida, Greater Noida, and the Yamuna Expressway Development Authority.

Key Demands by Rakesh Tikait
Tikait demanded:

• 64.7% additional compensation for all farmers affected by the three authorities.
• Allocation of 10% developed plots to the affected farmers.
• Revision of the circle rate, which he described as extremely low.
• Preservation of ancestral land for growing families to prevent housing problems.
• Priority employment with a 70% share for farmers who gave land for Noida Airport development.

Officials Promise Action
During the Mahapanchayat, ADM (Law & Order) Bacchu Singh, OSD Shailendra Kumar Singh of the Yamuna Authority, and OSD Ram Nayan Singh of the Greater Noida Authority met the farmers and assured them that their grievances are being addressed in a phased manner. ADM LA also stated that the process of increasing the circle rate is underway and announcements are expected in the New Year.

District leaders present at the Mahapanchayat included Agra District President Rajveer Lavania, Mathura District President Kumari Meera, Bulandshahr District President Arab Singh, Hathras District President Satdev Pathak, and Aligarh District President Sunder Balyan.

The protest highlighted the ongoing friction between farmers and development authorities, underscoring the pressing need for fair compensation and equitable treatment in land acquisition projects across Uttar Pradesh.