"We cannot simply evict the farmers from our land. We have done a feasibility survey on the land and the landfill project. According to the study-report we will offer a compensation package to the farmers because that is the only source of income for them. Earlier also, we had given Rs 7.5 crore to 95 farmers as compensation, when we took our land back from them to construct the existing dumping ground on Dhapa," said Bhattacharya.

The civic body had also got a sanction for a water treatment plant in the south-east part of the city. Land for this project -- owned by the civic body -- had also been encroached by the farmers. The farmers were offered a compensation package, even then a case is pending for 18 months.

To make matters worse, the Opposition is firm on not letting the KMC get any of its land back for the projects.

"We will not let the KMC snatch land from the poor farmers and slum dwellers. We have got people's support. The civic body is doing these projects with an eye on the vote bank, we will not allow them to do so. If the civic authority really wants any project to be carried out smoothly then they have to discuss it honestly with us," said Javed Ahmed Khan, Leader of the Opposition.

"We want a proper rehabilitation scheme for the affected farmers and slum dwellers. Unless proper compensation is provided, we will not allow the authority to proceed with any kind of developmental project," added Khan.