Shaktipeeth Highway Rerouted: Farmers Rejoice as Fertile Lands Spared in Pandharpur

• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a major change in the Shaktipeeth Highway alignment, canceling the previous route in Pandharpur taluka.
• The original plan threatened highly fertile lands along the Bhima River, where farmers cultivated valuable cash crops like sugarcane, grapes, and pomegranates.
• Farmers expressed strong dissatisfaction over low compensation for their irrigated land, leading to protests, legal challenges, and increased tensions.
• The new alignment will now pass through the western part of Pandharpur taluka, connecting to Sangola via Barshi, Vairag, Karakamb, Bhose, and Patwardhan Kuroli.
• This decision brings significant relief to previously affected farmers and is expected to boost development in the newly included areas.

Why It Matters: Shaktipeeth Highway's new alignment spares fertile lands in Pandharpur, bringing relief to farmers.