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Around 20,000 villagers from 11 villages in Himmatnagar taluka of Sabarkantha district participated in a protest rally at Kanknol village, demanding that the government withdraw its decision to establish the Himmatnagar Urban Development Authority (HUDA). The proposed body involves acquiring about 7,600 acres of farmland, impacting nearly 9,000 farmers. Protestors have been holding demonstrations for over 40 days, alleging that the plan threatens agricultural livelihoods. They have given a 15-day ultimatum to the state, warning of an indefinite fast if their demand is ignored.
Nearly 20,000 villagers, including farmers and cattle rearers from 11 villages in Himmatnagar taluka of Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, gathered at Kanknol village to protest against the proposed formation of the Himmatnagar Urban Development Authority (HUDA). The demonstration, which has continued for over 40 days, was organised by the HUDA Sankalan Samiti, a collective formed to coordinate the protests. Advertisement
The villagers argue that the government's proposal to set up HUDA would result in the acquisition of close to 7,600 acres of agricultural land, affecting nearly 9,000 farmers. They claim that the land is currently used for cultivation and cattle rearing, and its conversion for urban development would harm their livelihoods. The protesters also submitted memoranda to the district collector and other officials, seeking immediate withdrawal of the notification.
The notification for creating HUDA was reportedly issued in November 2023. The proposed authority covers an area of about 96.99 square kilometres and includes 11 surrounding villages. According to the draft development plan submitted to the state government around two months ago, parts of this land have been identified for urban use under future expansion of Himmatnagar. Villagers say this plan was prepared without proper consultation and transparency.
Protesters pointed out that Himmatnagar has a population of around 1.02 lakh and is governed by a nagarpalika, not a municipal corporation. They therefore question the necessity of forming an urban development authority in such a small town. The residents have expressed concern that the inclusion of their villages in the HUDA jurisdiction would not only reduce agricultural land but also increase taxes, change land-use classification, and eventually displace small landowners.
During the latest protest, the HUDA Sankalan Samiti announced a 15-day ultimatum to the government. They warned that if their demand to cancel the authority is not accepted, they would begin an indefinite fast at the district headquarters. The rally was peaceful but marked by strong participation, reflecting widespread opposition to the plan among local communities.
Officials have not yet issued any formal response to the villagers' demands. However, similar protests have occurred in other parts of Gujarat in recent years, where residents opposed urban development authorities being extended to peri-urban or rural zones. In those cases, authorities later reviewed boundaries or delayed implementation, suggesting that such civic concerns can influence government decisions.
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