Farmer Denied Land Compensation, Builds Wall in the Middle of the Road in Protest

Farmer’s Fight for Justice: Building a Wall on the Highway to Protest Unpaid Compensation

In the heart of Kurukshetra, Haryana, a dramatic scene unfolded on the Pehowa State Highway, leaving commuters and locals baffled. A farmer, frustrated by decades of unfulfilled promises and denied compensation for his land, took matters into his own hands. In a bold act of protest, he began constructing a wall right in the middle of the busy highway. This unusual yet powerful demonstration highlighted the struggles of a man fighting against a system that had ignored his rights for far too long.

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A Long-Standing Battle for Justice

The story of this protest dates back to 1987, when the Public Works Department (PWD) built a highway that cut through the farmland of Balwinder Singh, a resident of Amritsari Farm in Kurukshetra. The land was acquired, but the promised compensation never reached him. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue, Balwinder faced nothing but bureaucratic delays and empty assurances.

Balwinder’s legal battle began in 2006 when he filed a case in the civil court, demanding compensation for his land. Over the years, the courts ruled in his favor multiple times. In 2018, the civil court ordered the PWD to either remove the road or pay the farmer his due compensation within six months. However, the department appealed the decision in the High Court, further delaying the process.

In 2023, the High Court once again ruled in Balwinder’s favor, dismissing the government’s appeal. Yet, even after this victory, the administration failed to act, leaving Balwinder with no choice but to take drastic measures.

The Breaking Point

On a hot Tuesday morning in June, Balwinder Singh decided he had waited long enough. Armed with bricks and cement, he began constructing a wall right in the middle of the Pehowa State Highway, blocking the road that had been built on his land decades ago. His message was clear: if the government would not compensate him for his land, he would reclaim it.

The sight of a wall being built on a busy highway quickly drew attention. Commuters were stunned, and traffic came to a standstill. Word spread rapidly, and soon, local authorities, including PWD officials and the police, arrived at the scene to intervene.

A Protest Born Out of Frustration

When questioned about his actions, Balwinder explained the years of hardship and frustration that had led him to this point. “This land belongs to me,” he said, standing next to the partially constructed wall. “The government built a road here without paying me a single rupee. I have won in court not once, but three times. Yet, they refuse to honor the rulings. How long am I supposed to wait? I am not against the public, but I have no other way to make the administration listen.”

Balwinder’s lawyer, Mithun Atri, elaborated on the legal battle. “The courts have consistently ruled in favor of Balwinder Singh. The civil court, the session court, and even the High Court have all ordered the government to compensate him. Despite this, the administration has failed to take action. This protest is a result of their negligence.”

The Authorities Intervene

As news of the protest spread, PWD officials and local police rushed to the site. The partially built wall had already caused significant disruption, and the officials were eager to resolve the situation quickly. Rishi Sachdeva, a senior PWD officer, acknowledged the farmer’s grievances but urged him to stop the construction.

“This is an old issue,” Sachdeva admitted. “When the land was acquired, it seems there was some oversight, and the compensation was not properly distributed. We are aware of the court rulings and are working to resolve the matter. However, blocking a state highway is not the solution. We have requested Balwinder Singh to dismantle the wall and assured him that his rightful compensation will be paid.”

After hours of negotiations, Balwinder agreed to halt construction and open the road for public use. However, he made it clear that his patience was running out. “I have heard enough promises,” he said. “If the compensation is not paid soon, I will be forced to take further action.”

The Legal and Bureaucratic Maze

Balwinder Singh’s case is not an isolated one. Across India, countless farmers face similar struggles, caught in a web of legal and bureaucratic delays. Land acquisition for public projects often leads to disputes, with farmers frequently left waiting for compensation that is either delayed or insufficient.

In Balwinder’s case, the courts have repeatedly sided with him, but the implementation of their rulings has been slow. The PWD claims to have paid a small amount of compensation years ago, but Balwinder argues that it was far below the market value of his land. The department’s repeated appeals in higher courts have only prolonged the matter, leaving the farmer in a state of perpetual uncertainty.

Public Reaction

The incident sparked a wave of reactions from locals and on social media. Many sympathized with Balwinder Singh, praising his courage and determination to stand up for his rights. “This is what happens when the government ignores the common man,” one resident said. “Balwinder Singh is fighting for what is rightfully his. The administration should be ashamed.”

Others, however, expressed concern about the disruption caused by the protest. “Blocking a highway is not the solution,” a commuter argued. “While I understand his frustration, this affects everyone. The government needs to act quickly to resolve such issues.”

A Call for Reform

Balwinder Singh’s protest has brought attention to the broader issue of land acquisition and compensation in India. Experts argue that the current system is flawed and in need of reform. Delays in compensation not only harm farmers but also hinder infrastructure development and public projects.

“This case highlights the need for a more efficient and transparent system,” said a legal expert. “Farmers should not have to fight for decades to receive what is rightfully theirs. The government must ensure that compensation is paid promptly and fairly, and that court rulings are respected.”

What Lies Ahead?

As of now, Balwinder Singh’s protest has forced the administration to take notice. PWD officials have promised to expedite the compensation process, but whether they will follow through remains to be seen. For Balwinder, the fight is far from over. “I will not rest until I get what is mine,” he said. “This is not just about me—it’s about justice for every farmer who has been wronged.”

The incident has also put pressure on the government to address similar cases across the country. If the authorities fail to act, more farmers may resort to protests, disrupting public life and highlighting the growing frustration among India’s rural communities.

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Conclusion

Balwinder Singh’s decision to build a wall on the Pehowa State Highway was not just an act of defiance—it was a cry for justice. His story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by farmers in India and the urgent need for systemic change. As the dust settles on this protest, one can only hope that the administration will finally deliver on its promises, ensuring that Balwinder Singh—and others like him—receive the justice they deserve.