Byndoor, September 18, 2025: The Byndoor Taluk Farmers’ Union, along with local residents, will stage a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Manipal on Friday, September 19, opposing the unscientific inclusion of rural areas into the Byndoor Town Panchayat limits and demanding their immediate exclusion. Farmers’ Union President Deepak Kumar Shetty announced this during a press meet in Udupi today.

Shetty criticized the authorities for forming the Town Panchayat five years ago without consulting locals or political parties, noting that elections have not yet been held despite the announcement of reservations for its 20 wards. The Town Panchayat spans 54 sq km, with 47% classified as dense forest and rural land. This merger has deprived residents of various government schemes meant for rural areas.

“We have already submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner requesting the exclusion of rural segments. The DC has proposed a new 11-ward Byndoor Town Panchayat to the government. We demand its implementation and the declaration of the remaining rural areas as Gram Panchayats,” Shetty said. He recalled a major protest last Friday in front of the taluk office and affirmed that tomorrow’s demonstration will continue the demand.

Byndoor and surrounding areas include 23 sq km of 14 hamlets where agriculture is the primary livelihood. However, the merger under the guise of development has denied farmers basic facilities, Akrama Sakrama benefits, and agricultural amenities, forcing them to travel to Udupi even for minor tasks. “The district administration has yet to respond to this issue,” Shetty added.