New Delhi: Representatives from more than 150 villages across Delhi gathered at Ladpur village under the banner of the Delhi Dehat Vikas Manch, demanding an immediate halt to land acquisition processes until revised circle rates are implemented in the national capital.
The meeting was convened to discuss growing concerns over delays in implementing the Delhi Master Plan 2041, the land pooling policy, and policies related to the Green Development Area (GDA).
According to the organizers, current circle rates in Delhi have not been revised for nearly 18 years, resulting in substantial financial losses for farmers whose land is being acquired for major infrastructure projects.
Concerns Over Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
Bhupender Bazad, Chairman of the Delhi Dehat Vikas Manch, stated that several large-scale infrastructure projects are expected to require land acquisition in Delhi’s rural belt. These include:
- The extension of the Delhi–Katra Expressway
- The Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) extension up to Tronica City
He warned that acquisition notices could be issued even before new circle rates are implemented, which could significantly reduce the compensation farmers receive for their land.
Farmers have urged the central government to halt all acquisition processes until revised land valuation rates are officially implemented in Delhi.
Farmers Demand Fair Compensation
Surender Dabas from Madanpur Dabas village emphasized that farmers would not accept compensation based on outdated valuation rates.
“We urge the Centre to immediately stop all land acquisition until new circle rates are implemented,” he said.
Villagers also referred to a recent statement by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who indicated that the revised circle rates could be implemented within one-and-a-half to two months.
The core committee of the Delhi Dehat Vikas Manch has requested the Chief Minister to expedite the process to ensure farmers receive fair value for their land.
Legal Action and Protests
The issue has already triggered protests and legal action. Farmers had earlier staged a nine-month sit-in protest at Kanjhawala over land-related issues.
Bazad stated that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has also been filed in the Supreme Court, alleging that previous assurances made to farmers were not fulfilled.
Warning of Fresh Protests
The meeting concluded with a resolution that if gazette notifications related to the Master Plan, land pooling policy, Green Development Area policy, and revised circle rates are not issued within two months, farmers will launch fresh protests.
Karam Singh Dabas of the Kanjhawala Dharna Committee warned that rural communities would mobilize across Delhi if the government fails to address their demands.
The situation highlights the growing tension between urban expansion projects and rural land rights, a challenge that continues to shape Delhi’s planning and development landscape.
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