The Uttar Pradesh government has taken steps to address the ongoing issues faced by farmers under the Noida Industrial Development Authority (Noida) and the Greater Noida Development Authority (Greater Noida) in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district. On Wednesday, a high-level three-member committee was established with the aim of resolving the grievances of farmers within these areas.
The committee has been tasked with engaging in discussions with farmers over the next three months and presenting a detailed report to the government. The objective is to provide a comprehensive and satisfactory resolution to the longstanding issues that have often led to protests among farmers in the district.
Farmers in Noida and Greater Noida have persistently demanded developed plots and increased compensation for the land they had previously sold for developmental purposes. These demands have been at the forefront of ongoing protests in the region.
On February 8, farmers intensified their protests by marching towards Parliament in the national capital from the Delhi-Noida Chilla border. Organized under the banners of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha, the protesters gathered outside the NTCP office in Noida Sector 24 and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority’s office, advocating for 10 percent of residential land.
Their primary demand has been for 10 percent of residential plots or equivalent compensation for the land acquired from them since 1997. The continuous protests date back to 2019, with a prolonged sit-in at the Authority office in 2020-21.
In December 2023, farmers held a significant gathering, a mahapanchayat, at the Noida Authority office to highlight their demands. The Authority had previously sent letters to the government in January 2021, aligning with the farmers’ requests. Reminders were sent in March and October 2022, as well as March 2023.
In a notable development, the Greater Noida Authority approved the allocation of 10 percent residential plots for farmers on developed land in December 2023. Officials have indicated that further steps would require approval from the state government, signaling progress in addressing the farmers’ concerns.
