Build a bypass without destroying farmland! Farmers in Coimbatore district are pleading

Coimbatore, : ‘The existing road from Kurudampalayam to Satthi should be widened without destroying agricultural lands,’ farmers have urged.

The National Highways Department is planning to build a bypass from Kurudampalayam to Satthi, a distance of 92.213 km, near Coimbatore. For this, 926 acres of land will have to be acquired.

A notice has been issued to inform the public by the 18th (today), if there is a demand. Since agricultural lands will be affected in this project, the farmers have requested that the currently used road be widened instead.

Farmer Nataraj said, ”The Coimbatore-Pollachi and Satthi-Erode roads were widened without acquiring agricultural lands. Currently, the work of widening the Avinashi-Mettupalayam road in a similar manner has been initiated. “Why are they trying to acquire farmland only for the road from Kurudampalayam to Satthi?” he asked. When asked by District Revenue Officer Sharmila, “If there is any objection to the acquisition of land, it can be given till the 18th. The objections given by the farmers will be sent to the National Highways Department and the department’s opinion will be sought,” she said.

‘What is the purpose of the farmland?’
Murugasamy, president of the Kongu Mandal Farmers’ Welfare Association, said, “The existing road is 120-130 feet; that can be expanded; if necessary, a high-level bridge can be built. Should thousands of acres of agricultural land be destroyed to pave the road? If there is no alternative, the land can be acquired. The road is there; there is space for expansion. Even if there is such space, why should the farmland be acquired?” he questioned.

More curves, more land needed

When asked by the National Highways Department, they said, “There are more curves on the existing road. To make it straight, more land needs to be acquired. Instead, it was decided to build a bypass. If the road comes, the city will develop.
The route has already been studied and funds have been allocated. There are few objections; there are many who say that a bypass is needed. The plan is to be implemented jointly by the Central and State governments; both governments should take a decision jointly.”