This valley of Dehradun is famous for Basmati, farmers are forced to protest today

Farmers in Doodhli Valley Begin Protest for Road Expansion and Suswa River Cleanliness

Doiwala, February 16, 2025

The Dehradun Basmati is renowned worldwide, but few know that one of its key cultivation areas is the Doodhli Valley in Doiwala Block. However, farmers from four Gram Panchayats in this region have launched a protest demanding the widening of the Doodhli-Doiwala Road and, more importantly, the cleaning of the heavily polluted Suswa River, which is the primary water source for their agriculture. Farmers claim that pollution in the Suswa River has led to an increase in cancer cases in the area.

Protest and Support from Organizations

Progressive farmer Umed Bora stated that a prayer ritual (Havan) was conducted on Sunday to urge the Uttarakhand government to take action. A fast and sit-in protest is scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2025, followed by a roadblock protest on February 18. Further strategies will be decided during the movement.

Several farmer organizations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait), Kisan Sabha, and Krishak Federation Uttarakhand, along with various political and social organizations, have extended their support to this movement.

Key Concerns of the Farmers

• The Suswa River’s toxic water has led to the decline of the famous Dehradun Basmati Type 3 variety.
• Despite former Chief Minister and current MP Trivendra Singh Rawat’s promise to widen the Doodhli-Doiwala Road, no action has been taken so far.
• Since the Lachhiwala toll tax was introduced, heavy vehicles have started using the narrow, single-lane road in Doodhli to avoid the toll, leading to increased accident risks.

Farmers’ Key Demands

1. Widening of the Doodhli-Doiwala Road
2. 24-hour operation of the Doodhli hospital
3. Flood protection embankments in Badowala and Doodhli
4. Solar-powered fencing to protect crops from wild animals
5. Better bus connectivity in the region