India, March 13 -- Farmers from 12 districts across Vidarbha, Marathwada and western Maharashtra gathered at Azad Maidan on Wednesday to protest the proposed 802-km Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth expressway, vowing not to allow the survey of their land for acquisition for the project. On the other hand, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the state legislative council that the government is firm on going ahead with the project, but will also take into consideration farmers' grievances.

Leader of opposition, Ambadas Danve, raised the issue in the council. "We visited the protest at Azad Maidan. The state government should consider the feelings of the farmers who are opposing the project," he said.

Corroborating his statement, Congress MLC S...