Prabhas Patan: Tensions have flared in the temple town of Prabhas Patan over the proposed Somnath Corridor Project, with local residents voicing strong opposition to the ongoing land acquisition process. On Tuesday, the town observed a complete shutdown in protest, followed by a large public gathering where women prominently raised slogans declaring, “We do not want the corridor.” Today, a large group of affected villagers gathered to submit a memorandum to the Prant officer.

According to the memorandum, residents allege that for the past two months, local authorities have been summoning property owners for negotiations without issuing any formal written notices. They claim officials are using fear of legal consequences to pressure them into selling their properties and are subjecting them to mental harassment.

Residents further claim they are being pressured by the administration and police to fill out forms and share personal details. The memorandum accuses the government of undermining the sanctity of Somnath by advancing the corridor project without properly consulting the local population or respecting their religious sentiments.

Many villagers, whose families have lived in the same homes for five generations, expressed deep distress over being asked to vacate without receiving any formal eviction notices. This, they say, has only heightened public anger.

During the protest, loud slogans echoed across the village, with residents shouting, “We do not want the corridor. We would rather give our lives than give up our land for this project.” The crowd condemned the administration, demanding that their voices be heard.

A key meeting held on Tuesday was attended by community leaders representing various castes, affected families, and senior officials, including Deputy Collector Vinod Joshi and the Mamlatdar. During the meeting, Deputy Collector Joshi stated that 25,000 square meters of land would be acquired for the project. However, residents allege that officials—particularly the Deputy Collector—ignored the concerns raised by protesting women, further inflaming public outrage.

Approximately 384 properties are reportedly under consideration for acquisition, and authorities have been holding regular meetings with villagers. However, residents claim they are being kept uninformed and sidelined in the decision-making process.

In recent days, tensions have further escalated following allegations of rude behavior by revenue officials during land verification visits. With growing public anger and increasing resistance, the Somnath Corridor Project appears poised to become a major flashpoint in the coming days. DeshGujarat