Five Farmers from Maluha Receive Compensation of ₹8.8 Million Pending for 25 Years
Raipur, August 22
Five farming families from the village of Maluha in Bilaspur-Bilaspur district’s Bilaigarh block have finally received compensation that had been pending for 25 years. These farmers, affected by the submergence caused by the Upper Sonia reservoir, had long been running from office to office, staging protests and hunger strikes, but their rightful dues remained unpaid. After submitting an application during the Collector’s public hearing, Collector Dr. Sanjay Kannauje took the matter seriously and, after continuous monitoring for just four months, ensured the farmers received their due compensation.
Immediately after taking charge on April 28, 2025, Collector Dr. Kannauje inquired into the matter. He summoned all relevant documents from the Executive Engineer of the Kasdol Division and the SDM of Bilaigarh, and took weekly progress reports. Due to his sensitivity and continuous oversight, a total compensation of ₹8,819,592 was granted to the farmers of Maluha village after 25 years.
In a program held at the Bilaspur Panchayat office, Collector Dr. Kannauje handed over compensation cheques to the affected farmers: Gangadhar Nai, three brothers from the Chandra family—Sarkar, Pardeshi, Ramanuj—two sisters Krishanti and Ghasneen, and their paternal aunt Sahodrabai.
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai appreciated the Collector and his team’s working style for resolving this long-pending farmers’ compensation case with sensitivity. He stated that the state government’s priority is that no citizen should have to struggle to claim their rights. He expressed happiness that through the Collector’s public hearing in Bilaspur-Bilaspur district, a compensation case pending for 25 years was resolved within 4 months. He called it an example of administrative sensitivity and commitment, reaffirming the government’s resolve to ensure everyone receives their rightful dues.
Upon receiving the compensation, the farmers expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and the government administration. Sahodrabai, who has been ill for a long time, became emotional on receiving the cheque. She said, “I have been living in my parental home since marriage, relying on my nephews. Now, with this compensation, I will get treatment and repay debts accumulated over the years.” Farmer Gangadhar Nai said, “We had been struggling for justice for 25 years. Today, thanks to the Chief Minister, Collector, and SDM, we have finally received what is rightfully ours.”