Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Chittaranjan Tembhekar

May 23, 2008: Office bearers of all 12 gram panchayat in Pen taluka on Wednesday snubbed Raigad collector Nipun Vinayak by boycotting a public hearing organised to discuss a proposed special economic zone by Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance group.

Thousands of project-affected people (PAP) in 24 villages that come under these 12 gram panchayats of Pen taluka too boycotted the hearing organised by the collector at his Pen tehsil office.

State’s acceptance of the compensatory package options given by M-SEZ for PAP seems to have further angered the Raigad villagers against the project.

Interestingly, nearly 20 per cent land in Pen’s 24 villages has already been acquired by Reliance through attractive private buying thus posing a challenge to the agitators. The agitators alleged that the meeting was an eyewash as the government had already accepted the M-SEZ package on February 6, 2008.

“Leave apart compensation, the villagers do not want any SEZ. Despite assurances to protect the villages, attempt to acquire land is being given a boost,” said social activist Ulka Mahajan.

Source: DNA India