In Kathda and Mandvi (Kutch), our fertile Gauchar land is being lost piece by piece in the name of “development.” This land feeds over 5,800 cattle across Kathda, Mandvi, Shirva, and Bharapar villages, sustains women-led dairies, and shelters lakes, water reservoirs, trees, and countless wild animals.

Already, large chunks of Mandvi’s Gauchar land were given away; 150 acres in 2001 and 375 acres now- leaving barely 175 acres against the 1,246 acres that should exist under government policy. If this continues, cattle will be left without fodder, families without income, and nature without protection. The government’s “alternative” land offered 33 km away at Bambhadai is infertile and unrealistic; how can cows walk 66 km daily for grazing?

As a woman sarpanch of Kathda, I have witnessed firsthand how losing Gauchar land affects our village. Our cows struggle to find enough grass, women in our community rely on dairies for their livelihoods, and hundreds of families depend on this land for income. Even when I raise these issues in the Gram Sabha, my voice is often ignored, despite the Government’s promise of women’s empowerment. The Gram Sabha’s decision cannot be bypassed. This land is not just soil; it is our livelihood, our culture, and our future. Losing it would devastate generations.

Key Facts & Statistics:

• Over 5,800 cows depend on this Gauchar land.
• Multiple women-led dairies generate income for hundreds of families.
• In 2001, 150 acres were taken for airstrip expansion; now 375 more acres are allocated, leaving only 175 acres out of the 1,246 acres required under government policy.
• The government’s alternative land is 33 km away and infertile, making daily grazing impossible (66 km round trip).
• The land contains lakes, water reservoirs, native trees, and habitats for wild animals. Destroying it would harm biodiversity and water resources.

We are not against development, we only ask that it be sustainable and just.

We demand the Government to:

1. Halt further acquisition of Gauchar land in Kathda and Mandvi.
2. Respect Gram Sabha decisions and uphold Panchayat and women’s rights.
3. Find real alternatives that do not destroy fertile grazing land, lakes, trees, and community livelihoods.

This is the time to stand up. If you have ever taken nourishment from cow’s milk, it is your duty to protect the land that feeds them. Please sign this petition to save our Gauchar land, our cattle, our women’s dairies, lakes, and trees, and secure our community’s future.

#SaveKathdaLand #SaveMandviLand #WomenLead #ProtectNature