Farmers from Adwan and Pardevi villages in Igatpuri taluka strongly opposed a government land survey for a proposed industrial estate on Monday, April 7, reviving demands to halt all new projects in the area.
Officials from the revenue and industries departments, including the Talathi and Mandal officers, were met with protests led by the Gaav Bachao Samiti (Save Village Committee), formed by the villagers of both villages.
The protesting farmers, including former MLA Pandurang Gangad, prevented the officials from completing the survey and demanded immediate intervention by the district collector and provincial magistrate.
The farmers insist that a public meeting be held in Adwan to address their concerns. So far, the district collector has not met the representatives of the Save Village Committee. A petition has also been filed in the Bombay High Court, challenging the land acquisition process.
The Save Village Committee has written to Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate and Industries Minister Uday Samant, voicing their opposition. Villagers argue that nearly 80% of land in Igatpuri taluka has already been acquired for projects such as the MIDC, the railway line, and the Samruddhi Highway. Despite this, further acquisition continues, threatening to displace farmers and render them homeless.
Prominent local leaders and villagers present included Dattatray Gunjal, Committee president Dnyaneshwar Kokane, vice president Vishnu Kokane, and others.
