Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Ahmedabad, July 16, 2008: The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday ordered stay on a petition by Kutch fishermen objecting to filling up of creeks for the Adani multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mundra. Kutch fishermen had approached the court yesterday saying t hat the Adani SEZ project involves filling up of 34 creeks which act as inland channels that connect fishermen of at least 21 villages to the sea.

Raising objections against the SEZ on various other counts, the fishermen had demanded scrapping of the project. Bench of acting Chief Justice M S Shah and Justice P H Vaghela directed the company not to fill up the creeks which connect fishermen of the se villages to the sea.

Next hearing in the case would be held on August 7. The Supreme Court last week had allowed the Adani Group to go ahead with its works on the 7,400 crore SEZ and dismissed the petition by the fishermen seeking scrapping of the project.

Earlier on July 1, the apex court had stayed the work on the Adani project on a plea by fishermen that the project would affect their livelihood and flora and fauna in the region. The Supreme Court had also asked the fishermen to approach the High Court for redressal of their grievances. The apex court had also asked the Adani Group not to fill the creeks till the petitioners approach the High Court. - PTI

Source: The Hindu Business Line