Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Vinobha K T

Mangalore, December 27, 2007: The Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samiti (KBSS), which is fighting for the common cause of residents of Permude, Thenka Yekkaru, Kuthethooru and Delanthabettu villages, sent an open letter to the state chief secretary P B Mahishi reiterating that not a single inch of land will be handed over for Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) project.

Mahishi had stated in a press meet in Mangalore on Wednesday that there was no question of withdrawal of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) and Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) proposals. He also had stated that there was confusion among people regarding the projects and that would be sorted out gradually.

KBSS in their letter condemned Mahishi’s statements and stated that there was no confusion among the villagers. The villagers, whose lands were notified for MSEZ, had already sent written objection opposing the acquisition of land for MSEZ from their villages, KBSS stated adding that people of four villages had also expressed their objection in the meet convened by the Deputy Commissioner and Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) in villages months ago.

There might be confusion regarding the project among officials in MSEZ, but there was no confusion among the villagers, the letter asserted and added that the villagers were firm on their decision not to hand over land for MSEZ. The letter pointed out that there was confusion among officials regarding the total percentage of agricultural land in the notified area.

Chief Secretary had stated that there was only 26 per cent cultivable land in the villages marked for MSEZ. According to Environment Impact Assessment report, the total percentage of cultivable land was 33. Pointing out this difference, the KBSS urged the Chief Secretary in the letter to form a fact finding committee to find out the truth.

KBSS also alleged that though the officials assured to provide 500 acres of land for the rehabilitation of displaced villagers, only 57 acres of land was identified so far. Only one member from a family of six to nine members would be assured job under the package, they complained.

KBSS also reminded Mahishi in the letter that Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is stake holder in the MSEZ project had written to the then chief minister S M Krishna in 2001 stating that chemical industries could be excluded from the special economic zone considering the sensitive nature of the area. KBSS urged the government to withdraw the proposal of acquiring 2,035 acres of land for MSEZ immediately.

Source: The New Indian Express