CHITRADURGA: Dabhol-Bangalore Liquefied Natural Gas pipeline project which is being implemented by the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL), took a fresh beating on Wednesday with farmers in Dodda Siddavanahalli village halting the work.The farmers alleged that the government has misguided them regarding implementation of the project, and that standing crops are ruined by the movement of giant vehicles.The pipeline aimed at bringing 16 million metric standard cubic metres of gas per day took a backseat, when the roaring machines were sent back by the farmers.DGM (constructions) Murali Mohan told Express that the road laid for the Dabhol- Bangalore 745 km gas pipeline is temporary. He assured that the project is maintenance- free and will not affect farmers.Guidance ValueMohan said GAIL at present has 10,000 km of gas pipe line running accident-free.He added that value of the land will be paid to the farmers as per the guidance value fixed by the DC and crop damages will be compensated as per prices fixed by the agriculture department.‘Not against project’Farmer leader KT Gangadhar said: “We are not opposing the project, but they have not consulted with the farmers, nor taken their consent before laying the pipeline.” “Till there is a proper agreement between GAIL and the farmers, the project will be stalled. Talks should be held between the government, GAIL and the farmers, without which the work will not be allowed,” he said.Provide project detailsGangadhar also instructed the GAIL officials to provide a proper project report and design as every company has a hidden agenda of announcing one thing and doing something else. He also warned GAIL of dire consequences if the company continues works without the consent of the farmers.“Till the work is completed, the land cannot be used for cultivation and constructions cannot come up in the surrounding areas,” said BH Tippe Swamy a farmer at DS Halli village. The pipeline project is aimed at bringing piped gas for kitchen use in Bangalore, Hubli, Dharwad, Davangere, Harihar, Chitradurga and Tumkur.The project is expected to supply cooking gas 24x7 to at least 10 lakh homes in Bangalore in the next two years.
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