The situation is not as bad yet but Gujarat looks all set to get its own Nandigram and Singur. The Narendra Modi government is currently facing stiff resistance from villagers in at least five districts against its decision to hand over agricultural and grazing lands to industrial houses.

The protesters have gathered under the banner of Gujarat Lok Samiti, which has floated the slogan — Jaan denge, zameen nahin (We will give up our lives, not our land).

The agitations are on in Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar, Vadodara Jala village of Junagadh district, Mocha village of Porbandar district, Anwarpura village of Patan district and Zarpara village of Kutch district.

In Vadodara Jala, the entire village is protesting against the recent acquisition of 650 acres of village ‘gauchar’ (land used for the purpose of grazing animals) by the Gujarat Maritime Board, Veraval, for transfer to L&T Port Sutrapala Private Limited to construct a private port. The acquisition was condemned by the Gram Panchayat after which villagers stalled work at the site.

The state government had issued a resolution some time ago, saying that for every 100 animals, 40 acres of gauchar was required. Vadodara Jala has animal population of 6,060, making the required gauchar 2,424 acres. “Why then did the government decide to sell the 650 acres of grazing land of the village is beyond comprehension,” said Chuni Vaidya, who heads the Gujarat Lok Samiti.

While Hitendra Solanki, Project Manager, L&T, said he was not authorised to say anything, C J Rawal, Executive Engineer (Privatisation Cell), Gujarat Maritime Board, declined to comment. 

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