Satellite Surveillance Captures Extensive Agricultural Land Changes in Sandeshkhali

In 2013, agricultural land spanning hundreds of acres in the Sandeshkhali region of West Bengal was transformed into ponds, as revealed by satellite data analyzed by India Today's Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team. This analysis supported the claims of local villagers who asserted that their lands were unlawfully seized and repurposed by Sheikh Shahjahan, a prominent figure in the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and his associates.

Utilizing satellite imagery, India Today mapped the areas where villagers traditionally cultivated rice, a crucial staple in this North 24 Parganas district delta region before Sheikh Shahjahan initiated his alleged land-grab activities. The images indicated extensive conversion of land into local ponds, known as "bheris," in various locations such as Boyermari, Hatgachi, Nalkara, Sarberia, Rajbari, Trimoni Bazaar, Jhupkhali, Majherpara, Bermujur, and nearby Rupamari Bazar, approximately 18 km from Sandeshkhali.

To illustrate, a notable change occurred just 500 meters from the Sandeshkhali police station, where a significant area, previously featuring sparse small ponds until mid-2022, was transformed into the largest "bheri" in Majherpara by the end of the year, as observed through satellite data analysis.

Several landowners, including Rupdasi Sardar and Chamba Sardar, reported Sheikh's men flooding their fields with saline water, compelling them to accept an offer for lease, but they claimed they never received any compensation. Allegations of forcible takeovers and subsequent economic hardships were shared by these villagers, who lamented the loss of their self-sustenance and increased dependence on expensive store-bought grains.

Although the exact total converted land area remains uncertain, estimates suggest it surpasses 1000 acres. A Google Earth flythrough tour and 2023 Google Street View data depicted extensive "bheris" across the landscape, seemingly validating these estimates.

Government officials reported the resolution of 147 land-grabbing cases following protests, with around 200 bighas of land returned.

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