Local Farmers' Protest to Begin Against Haldwani Ring Road Project on November 8

In a spirited move to protect their lands, farmers and locals in Haldwani are gearing up for a public protest against the proposed Haldwani Ring Road project. The opposition stems from concerns over the impact on farmlands and local livelihoods. The "Kisan Makaan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti" held a key meeting recently to mobilize for the demonstration, and with new leadership at the helm, the committee is preparing to launch its campaign with strong community support.

At a gathering on Wednesday chaired by Shivraj Singh Khadai, committee members officially appointed Gulshan Dani as the new president of the Kisan Makaan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti. Dani is set to lead the committee for a two-year term and is already focusing on organizing efforts to sustain the protest. His selection marks a strategic step in uniting the community around the cause, and he has vowed to maintain a firm stance against the project, promising locals that their voices will be heard.

Committee founder Kartik Upadhyay spoke at the meeting, providing context to the committee’s renewed efforts. He reminded attendees that the last round of protests was suspended only after authorities had previously canceled the survey for the proposed road from the Sugarcane Center to Lamachaur. However, new information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request has raised concerns. This fresh data revealed plans to resume the survey, which involves constructing a 30-meter-wide road right through farmland.

This news has ignited fears that fertile lands, crucial for local agriculture, may be reclaimed for the project despite prior assurances. Upadhyay stated firmly that the farmers are not willing to part with their fields for a government project that could potentially threaten their livelihoods. Therefore, the committee has set November 8 as the official start date for their protest, with plans to rally the community against any future surveys or construction.

The meeting saw robust participation from community members, including well-known locals such as Mohit Belwal, Laxman Singh Bora, Bharat Durgapal, and many others. They voiced their apprehensions and shared personal stakes in preserving their agricultural land. This collaboration signifies the extent of unity and determination within the community, with a shared goal of preventing any government action that might disrupt their land or way of life.

Conclusion
The upcoming protest against the Haldwani Ring Road project has galvanized the farming community, with November 8 set as a critical date. The Kisan Makaan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, with newly appointed leadership, stands ready to channel local resistance. This movement serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between development projects and the preservation of agricultural heritage.