Semi-Nude Protest In Igatpuri: Farmers March Against Land Records, Industrial Project In Nashik District

Farmers of Adwan/Pardevi in Igatpuri taluka of Nashik district have taken to the streets demanding cancellation of records on their farmlands and opposing the proposed industrial estate project. They are strongly opposed to the ongoing land acquisition for this project, and on May 23, 2025, they began a semi-nude march from Adwan village.

Farmers have expressed their opposition to the planned industrial estate at Adwan/Pardevi by submitting representations to the government from time to time. The affected farmers and villagers have consistently objected to implementing this project on the farmlands marked in the estimated map of the proposed site.

Earlier, the farmers had demanded the immediate cancellation of entries made by the Tehsildar in the 7/12 land records for Adwan/Pardevi. Multiple representations were submitted in this regard. However, after receiving no response from the administration, the farmers submitted a memorandum to the District Collector of Nashik on May 1, 2025, warning of self-immolation. Following this, the District Collector promised to hold a meeting and address the issue, which was convened the same day. In that meeting, it was assured that a decision would be taken after consulting with senior officials.

However, the farmers later discovered that changes had already been made to the 7/12 records, which they claim has broken their trust. They have since accused the administration of misleading them.

The stance of the agitation and the next phase

Due to the war-like situation that has arisen in the country, the agitation was stopped for 42 days. However, the agitation has resumed after the situation has calmed down. All the farmers in the Adwan/Pardevi area came together and decided to hold a semi-nude agitation on May 23, 2025.

The agitation started from Adwan village and reached Igatpuri Tehsil Office, and from there onwards on May 24 it reached the District Collector's Office of Nashik and then to the Revenue Commissioner's Office of Nashik. The farmers have warned of launching a more intense protest if their demands are not met in this protest as well.

The farmers have decided to protest peacefully in a democratic manner by following Article 16 of the Indian Constitution and their rights. They have also clarified that they will ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the protest, but if anything does happen, the government will be fully responsible.