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Gujarat: 10 Junagadh villages threaten protest if not allowed to exit JUDA

Khedut Hitrakshak Samiti, representing these farmers told Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in a letter that all panchayats of all these villages have passed a resolution that they want an exit from JUDA.

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The ten villages adjacent to Junagadh Municipal Corporation have threatened to stage a protest if they are not allowed to move out of Junagadh Urban Development Authority (JUDA). 

They claim that even after inclusion in JUDA in about 2008, they have been denied basic amenities. Moreover, they have been subjected to higher charges from electricity and other utility providers as they are being classified as staying in an urban area.

Khedut Hitrakshak Samiti, representing these farmers told Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in a letter that all panchayats of all these villages have passed a resolution that they want an exit from JUDA. They have also submitted a memorandum the Junagadh Collector as well. They have threatened bandh in respective villages, rallies to create awareness, and fasts to draw the attention of the authorities to their plights.

Samiti convenor, Atul Shekhda told DNA that in 2008, 43 villages surrounding Junagadh were accommodated in JUDA. Of these, 33 villages protested against their inclusion and they were allowed to exit from JUDA about two years ago. 

Remaining 10 villages are now seeking an exit. “Villagers are discovering slowly perils of inclusion in JUDA. When they try to sell land or convert its usage, they realize that inclusion is causing hindrance. Close to 15,000 families are now affected,” Shekhda said. Among hordes of other problems faced by the villagers is higher charges of utilities. Since they are now classified as urbanites, electricity company levies and tariffs and benefits entitled are unavailable. 

“There are many farm labourers. They’ve to pay Rs 1,000 – 1,500 every month for electricity, which they cannot afford,” said Shekhda.

On the other hand, they have not been provided necessary amenities, promised during inclusion inJUDA. While earlier, all problems were solved through village panchayats, for every problem they have to go to Junagadh city now. 

 

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