Villagers of Bagjala under the banner of Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Mahasabha (AIKM) held a protest on April 6 in front of the Divisional Forest Officer office, Terai Eastern Forest Division, Haldwani (Uttarakhand), demanding removal of forest department restrictions on development works in the village.
The protest highlighted that essential works including drinking water schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission, road construction and repair, electricity connections and irrigation facilities remain stalled due to non-approval by the forest department.
Addressing the protest, state president of AIKM Anand Singh Negi said that residents of Bagjala continue to struggle for basic amenities. He stated that despite budget approvals, development works such as drinking water supply, road repair, construction activities and canal restoration have been held up due to lack of permission from the forest department.
He said that after a 100-day protest by villagers, an agreement was reached on November 24, 2025 in the presence of the Sub Divisional Officer, Haldwani and officials of various departments including the forest department. He said the continued denial of permissions is a clear violation of that agreement and has led to widespread anger among villagers.
Senior farmer leader Bahadur Singh Jangi said that denial of basic facilities like water, roads and irrigation is unjust. Bagjala Committee president Dr Urmila Raiswal said that stopping development works is anti-people and questioned how long villagers would be forced to suffer.
Following the protest, a delegation held talks with the DFO and submitted an eight-point charter of demands:
1. Immediate approval of drinking water schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission
2. Permission for road construction and repair works
3. Repair of canals to ensure irrigation for farmers
4. Construction of paved pathways along rain canals and repair of canal edges
5. Approval for new electricity and water connections
6. Removal of hurdles created by the forest department in development works
7. Implementation of earlier assurance to install street lights and solar lights in the village
8. Withdrawal of notices issued to Bagjala residents
