Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 28: The members of R and R Colony Development Committee who have lost their agricultural land to Suzlon Company, held a press meet on Friday February 27 at Press Club Udupi about the compensation and rehabilitation owed to them.
Lolaksha, social activist said, “CM Siddharamaiah should initiate ‘Land Wapsi’ programme from Padubidri itself. Nearly 28 families have got small land as compensation out of the 200 families that have become landless.
“There were two companies that established their plants, but failed to manage it successfully. The very first time, Suzlon Company had acquired the land and later sold it to Synefra Engineering and Construction Limited (SECL). After that Aspen Infrastructure Limited bought the property from SECL. At present, Aspen Company is functioning. According to the landless people, virtually 500 acres of empty land is available but SEZ development commissioner officially announced only 282.7903 acres of land as available. The committee demands remedies in the ordinance on Land Acquisition Act keeping in mind the human interest,” he added.
In addition to that, Lolaksha said, “Nowadays land mafia is booming. This is more dangerous than the real estate business. Even the district authority knows about the illegal land acquisition. Government officials should not be present as they are not middlemen in the land issues. State government should open a discussion and provide opportunity to get back the land legally.”
“Once the CM grants permission to inaugurate the Land Wapsi here, the committee will bear all the responsibilities,” concluded Lolaksha.
Umanath K R, president, R & R Colony Development Committee, Baskar Padubidri, taluk panchayat member, Baby, and Gunmati were among those present.