Police have arrested 24 farmers in Tiruppur for preventing work on the BPCL IDPL pipeline project. The protesters are demanding a massive hike in land compensation.

  • 24 farmers (12 men and 12 women) arrested in Tiruppur for obstructing IDPL project work.
  • The protest centers on demands for higher land compensation for the 74km pipeline.
  • BPCL offered 125% market value, but farmers demand 500%.
  • Work is currently proceeding under heavy police protection.

A significant standoff has erupted in the Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu. On Saturday, August 29, 2026, police arrested 24 farmers—comprising 12 men and 12 women—at Poosaripalayam in Kandiankovil panchayat. The arrests were made after the group attempted to halt construction work on the BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited) IDPL (Irugur to Devanagonthi Pipeline) project.

Following their arrest, the farmers were detained in a community hall along the Palladam-Dharapuram Road. Demonstrators have reportedly initiated a hunger strike and have vowed to continue their protest indefinitely, stating they will not vacate even if release orders are issued. In response to the unrest, authorities have deployed police protection to ensure the project work continues.

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The Compensation Conflict: A Deep Dive

The crux of the dispute lies in the compensation offered for the 74-kilometer stretch of private land required for the pipeline, which traverses both Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts. Initially, the government set compensation at 20% of the market value for additional land, later revising it to 100% as a special measure.

To mitigate the growing unrest, BPCL agreed to provide an additional relief of ₹5 lakh per acre over the 100% market rate, effectively bringing the total compensation to 125% for both dry and wet agricultural lands. However, compensation for residential and industrial lands remains fixed at 100% of the market value, a move that has further fueled resentment.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such industrial-agrarian conflicts are becoming increasingly common as infrastructure needs expand into rural territories. The gap between government-mandated compensation and the perceived loss of livelihood creates a volatile environment that can stall critical national energy projects.

The sustainability of large-scale energy infrastructure depends heavily on the socio-economic alignment with local landholders.

N. Ramesh, the Tiruppur District Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Protection Movement, has slammed the current compensation package as a "pittance." He has issued a stern warning that the project will face continuous obstruction until the compensation is raised to a staggering 500% of the prevailing market value.

Did You Know?: Pipeline projects often follow existing 'Right of Use' (RoU) alignments to minimize environmental impact, yet land rights remain a primary legal hurdle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the IDPL project?
It is a pipeline project stretching from Irugur to Devanagonthi, managed by BPCL to transport petroleum products.

2. Why are the farmers protesting?
They believe the current compensation (125% of market value) is insufficient and are demanding 500%.