Mangalore, Jun 20 (DHNS): Thanneerbavi Nagarika Vedike has urged the government to provide a separate township for the 218 families residing in Thannerbavi who are facing the threat of eviction.  
 
 Addressing media persons here on Friday, Vedike Honourary President Ramachandar Baikampady said, of the 112 acres land in Thanneerbavi, 15.15 acre belongs to the government, and hence it can be used for the township.

The area in Thannerbavi was in the possession of New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT), and the Trust handed over the land to the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) in 1968. The land owners there got compensation and migrated to the outskirts of Mangalore. The tenants continued to live there, who are still the residents of the area, who comprise fishermen, farmers and Dalits, Ramachandar explained.

“Now, after so many years, the KIADB is selling the land for industrialists, who are forcing the 218 families to evacuate. The land is also being used for real estate business,” he alleged.

“As per a Supreme Court ruling, a land area acquired by the Board should be used within 13 years, in the absence of which, it should be given back to the original residents,” Ramachandar said and warned of suing the KIADB in the court if it failed to respond to their demands.

“The KIADB had provided a separate township for the evacuees of the Baikampady industrial area, and hence, it should think in the same line now,” he added. Vedike President Clifford Lobo and Working President B S Vasanth Kumar were present at the press meet.