Land Dispute
Landless Groups Contest Khurpia Farm Amid Industrial Estate Push
A long-running dispute over Uttarakhand's Khurpia farm has intensified as the Uttarakhand Rajya Andolankari Bhumiheen Sangthan demands settlement of landless people on the land, while the state attempts to divert it for industrial development, on which there is no consensus among the local people. The contest pits rural landless groups against a major government-backed industrial development agenda.
| Total farm area | Approximately 2,500 acres leased by Keshar Enterprises |
|---|---|
| Revenue villages affected | Five villages: Khurpiya, Bandia, Devriya, Gorikala and Bhuragori |
| Industrial estate size | 1,002.15 acres allocated for SIDCUL industrial estate |
| Expected employment | Approximately 75,000 direct jobs from the industrial city project |
| Project investment | Rs 6,180 crore estimated investment |
| Land categories | Automobile and Engineering Cluster; mixed development area |
| Projected residential population | Approximately 17,760 |
| Power demand | 115 MVA total; 100 MVA for industrial area, 15 MVA for residential and utilities |
The Conflict
In 2012, the Uttarakhand high court asked the state government to take possession of the land. Four years later, the government passed an order that a State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIDCUL) industrial estate will be set up on 1,002.15 acres on the farm.
The Uttarakhand Rajya Andolankari Bhumiheen Sangthan has demanded the settlement of landless people on the land, while the state attempts to divert the land for industrial development, with no full consensus among local people. Some residents support the industrial project for employment and economic growth, while others oppose it.
The Industrial Plan
The Khurpia farm in Kichha, located in the Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand is set to be transformed into a smart industrial city under the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor. The initiative marks a pivotal moment in the industrial development of Uttarakhand, especially with its focus on establishing Khurpia as an automobile hub, alongside industries related to engineering and fabrication.
The project's green light was announced by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during a virtual press conference, where he highlighted the potential of Khurpia's industrial smart city to significantly enhance the manufacturing capabilities and overall economic growth of Uttarakhand.
Government Approval and Implementation
The decision to transfer the land in Khurpia farm to SIDCUL underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the project moves forward without unnecessary delays. District Magistrate Udayraj Singh emphasized that this land transfer is a critical step toward actualizing the smart industrial city.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved 12 new industrial smart cities including one in Khurpia Farm in Uttarakhand under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) with an estimated investment of Rs. 28,602 crore across all projects.
Local Response and Complementary Projects
The announcement of the industrial city's development has been met with enthusiasm by local stakeholders, including business leaders and public representatives, who have expressed pride in the selection of Khurpia for this significant project. Political figures from both major parties have welcomed the project, with Congress MLA Tilak Raj Behar praising the initiative for driving development and generating employment opportunities.
Beyond the industrial city, Khurpia is also witnessing other development projects that are expected to further enhance the region's infrastructure, including the construction of a satellite AIIMS on 100 acres, a modern degree college on 14 acres, and a roadways bus stand on 3.5 acres.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the Khurpia farm land?
The farm occupies approximately 2,500 acres and is leased by Keshar Enterprises. The land fell into government hands after the death of claimants, and the state government wants to distribute part of it among landless labourers and the poor according to government policy.
What is the Uttarakhand Rajya Andolankari Bhumiheen Sangthan?
This is an organization of landless people in Uttarakhand that has been advocating for settlement on the Khurpia farm. The organization has demanded the settlement of landless people on the land.
How much land will the industrial estate use?
A SIDCUL industrial estate will be set up on 1,002.15 acres of the farm, leaving approximately 1,500 acres from the total 2,500-acre holding in question.
What industries will be located at Khurpia?
Khurpia includes an Automobile and Engineering Cluster. The focus is on establishing Khurpia as an automobile hub, alongside industries related to engineering and fabrication.
How many jobs are expected?
The project is anticipated to create direct employment for approximately 75,000 individuals.
What is the status of the project as of 2024?
The project's green light was announced by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during a virtual press conference, and the land transfer to SIDCUL has been decided as a critical step toward actualizing the smart industrial city.
Is there local consensus on the industrial development?
There is no consensus among the local people—while many favour the industrial development, others have raised objections to the setting up of industries.
Sources
- Landless Demand Land on Khurpia Farm, Uttarakhand Government Proposes Industrial Estate
- Khurpia Farm in Uttarakhand to be Transformed into a Smart Industrial City
- IMC Khurpia Form-1 Environmental Clearance
- Distribute Khurpia land among labourers: Cabinet
- IMC Khurpia Uttarakhand - NICDC
- State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIIDCUL)