Proposed large-scale power transmission projects across Gujarat could affect nearly 5.5 lakh farmer families, triggering concerns over the use of agricultural land, compensation mechanisms and the long-term impact on rural livelihoods.
Private power developers are planning to generate and transmit around 135 gigawatts (GW) of electricity in the state. To support the evacuation of this power, nearly 100 high-voltage transmission corridors have been proposed across around 20 districts of Gujarat.
The planned transmission network is expected to extend over approximately 500 kilometres and involve the installation of hundreds of high-voltage transmission towers. Farmer organisations claim that the projects will directly or indirectly affect a large number of agricultural landowners and cultivators along the proposed routes.
According to estimates cited by farmer groups, a high-voltage transmission line passing through one kilometre of land can impact between 19 and 28 acres. Based on the proposed network, they estimate that nearly 3,800 hectares of agricultural land could be affected by transmission towers and related infrastructure.
Farmers have expressed concerns that the installation of transmission towers could restrict future use of their land. They argue that activities such as digging borewells, constructing agricultural structures and carrying out developmental work may become difficult, while the presence of transmission lines could also reduce the market value of the land.
Farmer organisations have further alleged that although power companies are expected to generate substantial revenue from transmitting electricity, the compensation being offered to affected landowners is inadequate considering the long-term impact on agricultural productivity and property values.
Several farmer groups have begun mobilising support in rural areas and are demanding either a revision of the proposed transmission routes or a more comprehensive compensation framework. They contend that while farmers may retain ownership of the land, its utility and economic value could diminish significantly after the installation of transmission infrastructure.
Farmer leaders have warned that if their concerns regarding route alignment and compensation are not addressed, they may launch a statewide agitation in the coming days.