Breaking: Farmers sow paddy in Ferozshah Toll Plaza to protest 8-year compensation delay
Harish Monga
Ferozepur (Punjab), June 10, 2026: Farmers have started sowing paddy inside the Ferozshah Toll Plaza on National Highway-5, demanding compensation for land acquired eight years ago.
The protesting farmers allege that although their land was acquired in 2018 for the toll plaza project, they have yet to receive full and fair compensation. Despite repeated appeals to the district administration, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and other officials, their grievances remain unresolved.
The farmers claim the toll plaza, built on their acquired land, has been generating revenue for years while they continue to suffer financial losses. As a symbolic act, they have ploughed and sown paddy within the toll plaza compound, asserting their original ownership of the land.
A large group of farmers gathered at the site, raising slogans against the administration and warning of intensified agitation if their demands are not met soon.
Gursewak Singh, a farmer from Village Ferozeshah, said the authorities had occupied excess land — around 3 kanal and 12 marlas of his holding — beyond the officially notified acquisition.
“I approached the officials at all levels multiple times over eight years, but no action was taken,” Singh alleged. “I was forced to approach the court and secured a decree in my favour. Even after demarcation, the departments are passing the buck. The toll plaza earns revenue daily while I lose income from the land.”
He demanded either the return of the excess land or adequate compensation.
No official statement has been issued by the administration or NHAI so far. The farmers hope their unconventional protest will finally compel the government to release the long-pending dues.