Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Mangalore, November 27 2007: As Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samiti (KBSS), Karnataka Rajy Raita Sangha (KRRS) and NGO Okkoota were gearing up to fight tooth and nail, Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) officials begun an earnest attempt to sell the project to Mangalore on Monday.

MSEZ Limited chief executive officer and managing director ISN Prasad told mediapersons that MSEZ was planned in the region to promote economic development.

As per SEZ rules, a minimum of 2,500 acres, contiguously located is required to establish a multi product SEZ. MSEZ Limited had conducted a study in 2006 on prevalent land use and land cover pattern. Accordingly, land contiguous to the existing refinery was identified to establish SEZ, he said.

“The study shows 71 per cent of land as non-agricultural comprising of scrub land, laterite soil, abandoned quarries, water bodies and slope lands,” he added.

“Only five per cent of land is prime agricultural land with double crops while 3.5 per cent is horticultural land and four per cent is fallows were agriculture is abandoned,” he claimed.

“Since contiguity is essential as per SEZ Act, portions of agricultural land falling within the selected area had to be acquired without any alternative,” he asserted.

Highlighting packages assured for evacuees, Prasad said, a R&R package was formulated for the Project Displaced Families (PDFs). Besides land cost at Rs 8 to 8.5 lakh per acre respectively for dry and wet land, the evacuees were provided with plots in 500 acres of land in Kulai and Thokur villages to construct their houses, he said.

Further, one job per family or training followed by job per family would be provided, he said.

“If candidates are not available, one-time compensation of 3.5 lakh per family will be provided. Sites for re-locating temples, common amenities will be provided in PDF colony. The construction activity for the colony is expected to begin from December 2007,” he said.

The implementation of R&R package would be monitored by a committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and would also have representatives of PDFs as its members. A public environmental hearing would be organised at St Joseph’s Church Hall in Bajpe on November 28.

‘M’ in MSEZ means media-savvy

MSEZ Limited officials who loved having media in a tailspin, had a change of heart. MSEZ’f first media briefing was held Hotel Taj Manjarun. The serving of mouthwatering delicious food in colourful ambience was eventually found to be a part of an elaborate strategy to woo media.

Source: Express News Service/ NewIndPress.com