Maharashtra Grants Land Ownership to Surya Project Families After 58 Years
Maharashtra's Chief Minister announces land ownership rights for families affected by the Surya project, ending a decades-long struggle.
Land ownership rights granted to families displaced by the Dhamani dam under the Surya project.
The resolution was handed over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during an event in Hanumannagar.
Eligible beneficiaries will receive proper land records within three months.
In a significant development for families affected by the Surya project, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on October 10, 2026, that land ownership rights have been granted to those displaced by the Dhamani dam. This announcement was made during a ceremony in Hanumannagar, marking the end of a struggle that has lasted nearly six decades for these families.
The rehabilitation process for these families began in 1968 and was officially completed in 1982. However, due to unresolved land surveys and demarcation issues, the families were unable to secure legal ownership of their land. Persistent advocacy from the villagers, supported by local officials including Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik and Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, led to the proposal being presented to the Cabinet, which approved it unanimously last week.
During the event, Fadnavis emphasized the importance of ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives a proper land record extract within three months. He assured the villagers that no one would be excluded due to documentation errors. Additionally, he announced plans to facilitate the establishment of a separate gram panchayat for Chandranagar, contingent upon approval from the Census Commissioner.
The Chief Minister highlighted the significance of prioritizing people over projects, referencing ongoing developments such as the Vadhavan port and bullet train. He stated, "For us, people are more important than projects. Development that renders the sons of the soil landless would not be development but destruction." Fadnavis expressed his commitment to transforming Palghar into one of Maharashtra's top five developed districts.
Looking ahead, Fadnavis pledged to personally review the progress of land ownership distribution after three months. He assured the villagers that similar relief would be extended to all project-affected families in Palghar awaiting land rights, marking a new chapter in their long-standing struggle for justice.
