E-Paper
MP revokes Simhastha land pooling scheme after farmers warn of agitation
The Simhastha Kumbh, held every 12 years in the temple city of Ujjain, is a major Hindu religious event that attracts lakhs of devotees from India and abroad.
The Madhya Pradesh government has issued an order to cancel the land pooling scheme in the Simhastha (Kumbh) mela area in Ujjain after farmers threatened to launch a protest against it.
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) had warned of an agitation from December 26, demanding total cancellation of the Simhastha Land Pooling scheme.
On Monday, ruling BJP MLA from Ujjain North, Anil Jain Kaluhera, wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, stating that the land pooling scheme should be cancelled in the interest of farmers.
He also said that if farmers launch an agitation against the scheme on December 26, he would be forced to join it.
On Tuesday, the state government issued an order stating that the Ujjain Development Authority had amended City Development Plans Nos. 8, 9, 10, and 11 under the Madhya Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1973.
In the public interest, these plans are being completely repealed, said the order, signed by C K Sadhu, Deputy Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department in the Madhya Pradesh government.
The Simhastha Kumbh, held every 12 years in the temple city of Ujjain, is a major Hindu religious event that attracts lakhs of devotees from India and abroad. It is scheduled to be held in 2028.
In view of this, the government introduced a land pooling policy to acquire farmers' land for permanent construction, whereas previously, land was acquired from farmers for Simhastha for 5-6 months.
Farmers' organisations have been strongly opposing this policy ever since.
Following the announcement of the "Dera Daalo, Gherao Daalo" movement on November 18 at the call of the BKS, the state government announced the repeal of the controversial Simhastha Land Pooling scheme.
Immediately following this, the BKS organised a celebratory rally in Ujjain.
However, things worsened when, two days later, the state government issued a letter amending the Simhastha Land Pooling scheme instead of cancelling it. The BKS then demanded a complete withdrawal of the scheme.
Disgruntled farmers held a meeting in Ujjain and announced to launch an indefinite strike.
