Farmers Put Up “Land Not For Sale” Boards Near Varanasi Cricket Stadium Project

Varanasi: In Ganjari area of Varanasi, where an International Cricket Stadium is coming up, a different picture is visible on the ground. Alongside the stadium, a proposal for developing a Sports City and Town City has been approved, for which agricultural land in nearby villages is proposed to be taken.

Before the process moves further, farmers have put up boards inside their fields carrying a clear message — they are not willing to give their land. These boards are not part of any rally or protest but are placed quietly in the fields, drawing attention to the farmers’ stand.

On one side, the government’s plan highlights large-scale development through sports and urban infrastructure. On the other, farmers have chosen to express their opinion directly from their land, making their concerns visible on the ground.

This report captures only the ground situation as it stands today. In the next part, farmers whose land falls under the proposed project area will share why they have put up these boards and what their concerns are regarding the project.