Farmers Block Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway Near Pune

A massive rasta roko is underway on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway near Pune, with farmers and residents affected by the proposed Bhongavli power project staging a protest at Kapurhol Chowk in Bhor tehsil.

The protest, which began at around 10 am on Sunday, is against the proposed GS Pune-III high-voltage power project at Bhongavli and the 765 kV transmission lines linked to it.

Farmers and villagers from the affected areas have joined the protest with tractors, bullock carts, and cattle. The agitation has led to traffic diversions on the Pune-Satara and Satara-Pune routes.

The administration had ordered the diversions from 8 am until the protest ends and advised motorists to avoid Kapurhol Chowk. For vehicles travelling from Pune towards Satara, traffic is being diverted through Narhe, Katraj, Kambla Khadi Machine, Saswad, Jejuri, and Nira before proceeding towards Satara.

Vehicles travelling from Satara towards Pune are being diverted through Shirwal or Pandharpur Phata, Lonand, Nira, Jejuri, and Saswad. Other diversions have also been announced for vehicles travelling between Saswad and Kapurhol and from Pune towards Velhe.

The traffic restrictions were imposed under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, following a report from Pune Rural Police. The protest has been organised by the Bhor-Rajgad Tehsil Substation and Tower Line Removal Sangharsh Samiti.

The protesters are opposing the proposed GS Pune-III project at Bhongavli and the transmission infrastructure associated with it. The project includes 765/400/220 kV electricity infrastructure and high-voltage transmission lines.

Bhongavli and several other villages in Bhor and Purandar talukas are part of the proposed transmission network. Government documents have also listed Bhongavli among the villages affected by the proposed 765 kV transmission infrastructure.

Farmers and affected residents have been opposing the project over concerns linked to the substation and transmission towers passing through their areas. The protest comes after an escalation at the project site earlier this month.

On August 2, a mob allegedly attacked the Bhongavli power substation project site and set fire to equipment. Workers were allegedly assaulted, and machinery worth lakhs of rupees was damaged.

The project is reportedly being developed across around 100 acres. The latest road blockade is therefore part of a wider dispute between affected residents and authorities over the proposed power and transmission project.

A large police deployment has been made to maintain law and order in the area. The situation is being closely monitored by the authorities.

The protest highlights the concerns of farmers and residents about the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on their lives and livelihoods. It also underscores the need for effective communication and consultation between project developers and affected communities.

In the context of India's growing energy needs and infrastructure development, such protests are likely to continue, and it is essential for the government and project developers to engage with local communities and address their concerns.

The outcome of this protest and the future of the Bhongavli power project remain to be seen, but one thing is clear - the concerns of farmers and residents cannot be ignored, and a resolution must be found that balances the needs of all stakeholders.