UNDER the banner of Himachal Kisan Sabha, the farmers of Himachal Pradesh are continuously fighting to protect their agricultural land. Agriculture-horticulture is the main means of livelihood for 69 per cent of the more than 90 per cent rural population of the state, which plays an important role in the state's economy. Although agricultural land constitutes only 10.4 per cent of the state's area, the sector contributes 22.1 per cent to the state's gross domestic product. Most families own just 2 to 5 bighas of land, with 86.4 percent being medium and small-scale farmers.

Despite their small land holdings, farmers are facing significant land loss due to various construction projects. The state has already lost one lakh hectares of land for the Bhakra and Pong dams. Now, with the central government acquiring land for projects such as four-lane roads, hydroelectric schemes, railway lines, and airports, agricultural land is being taken for these developments. This trend threatens the livelihoods of local farmers and exacerbates the challenges they face. Himachal Pradesh's fragile ecological system is highly vulnerable to disruptions, with its delicate balance of biodiversity, terrain, and water resources at risk from development projects such as four-lane road construction.

Farmers in Himachal Pradesh are actively mobilising and fighting to protect their livelihoods. Across regions such as Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Solan, and Shimla, they face significant challenges. In response, the Kisan Sabha has established a Bhumi Adhigrahan Prabhavit Manch (Land Acquisition Affected Forum) to address issues arising from the improper implementation of the Land Acquisition Act and land acquisitions for four-lane roads and other projects. This forum brings together approximately 17 organisations on a single platform. A state convention will be held in Mandi on August 17, to further address these concerns.

INTENSE STRUGGLE IN SHIMLA

In the last phase of the four-lane construction from Kalka to Shimla, significant issues have arisen due to illegal dumping and unauthorised cutting by the construction companies between Kaithali Ghat and Dhali. This has resulted in severe damage to both agricultural land and the environment. While farmers have already lost their land to the four-lane project, they and the general public are now facing additional daily problems caused by the complicity between the construction companies and the government.

• The Land Acquisition Act of 2013 is not being properly implemented.
• Farmers have received compensation only twice, instead of the required four times the land value.
• The road has not been clearly marked to indicate which land has been acquired for the four-lane project.
• Access roads for ambulances and local village roads have been blocked.
• Illegal dumping poses a threat to farms and homes, with pastures being destroyed by debris. Water sources and irrigation systems have been damaged, and crops are being ruined by mining dust and soil.

Under the leadership of Kisan Sabha state president Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, farmers organised a march against SP Singla Company, the firm responsible for the four-lane construction. They issued a warning against the company's arbitrary practices and misconduct.

Tanwar stated that the company is acting with impunity, dumping debris indiscriminately rather than at the designated sites. Additionally, the company is exploiting workers by withholding their wages for two months. The company is also pressuring villagers through its connections with higher authorities. Tanwar warned the company management that if the issues affecting farmers are not addressed, the Kisan Sabha will take measures to expel the company from Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, the Kisan Sabha has appealed to the forest department, Pollution Control Board, and NGT to inspect the situation and hold the company accountable.