Farmers near Khemana, along the Palanpur-Abu Highway, have raised concerns about the toll tax imposed on them. They claim that the toll collection is unfair for villages within 20 kilometres of the toll plaza. In a recent meeting held in Lakshmanpura village, more than 500 farmers gathered under the leadership of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh to discuss their grievances. The farmers expressed their frustration over the demand for ₹100 passes to use the toll road. They argued that tolls should not be collected from local residents living in nearby villages.
The meeting highlighted the issues faced by agricultural communities in 27 surrounding villages. The farmers are demanding an exemption from toll taxes and the construction of service roads for easier access. Majhi Bhai Lohe, the President of the Taluka Kisan Sangh, has been vocal about the need for local relief from tolls. Despite the announcement from Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding toll collections, farmers believe they are being charged unfairly.
On August 18, the farmers plan to hold a protest, expecting around 5,000 participants. They are determined to make their voices heard and demand a fair resolution to their concerns. If their demands are not met, they have threatened to escalate their protest, including blocking roads with support from local women. This could lead to significant disruptions in the area.
The affected villages include Lakshmanpura, Surajpura, Koyta Pura, Gokulpura, Malpuriya, Hasanpura, Ukarada, Jaspariya, Chitrasani, Rabariwas, Malana, Antraloli, Pirojapura, Rampura, Khemana, Bantawada, Habatpura, Kotda, Shivnagar, Mahadeviya, Karja, Goddapura, Chitkhal, and others.
Farmers argue that the toll tax is an additional burden on their already challenging livelihoods, especially during times of economic hardship. Many farmers rely on these roads for transporting their agricultural products to markets. The increased cost of tolls makes it harder for them to sustain their businesses.
The farmers are united in their call for justice. They believe that the government should support local communities instead of imposing additional financial burdens. The upcoming protest on August 18 will be a crucial moment for the farmers as they seek to bring attention to their plight and push for necessary changes.
With growing unrest over toll taxes, the situation in Khemana highlights the larger issues faced by farmers across Gujarat. As they prepare for their protest, the farmers hope to rally support from the public and local officials, urging them to reconsider the toll tax policies affecting their lives. The outcome of this protest could significantly impact the farmers’ future and their ongoing fight for fair treatment in the agricultural sector.