Mangalore: Gregory Patrao Changes Mind – Agrees to Give Land

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jan 31: It is learnt that Gregory Patrao, an agriculturist from Kalavaru village near here, who made the headlines all over the state for his protracted struggle against the acquisition of his land for MRPL first phase expansion project, has climbed down from his earlier stand. In a marked deviation from his prolonged tough stance, he has agreed to hand over 14.27 acres of land owned by his family to Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), it is learnt.

The change in mind has come after tough negotiations. Patrao was hopeful that the Chief Minister would come to his rescue. He said he has been told that his land cannot be saved, as it is located in the middle of the MRPL first phase expansion plan. Moreover, courts have not given any verdict against land acquisition. The only relief he got through the court was the higher compensation calculated as per the rates prevailing in 2006 instead of 1996. It is learnt that he decided to leave the land, after considering all the aspects and choices before him.

It is said that he has not yet come to a final decision about withdrawing of cases he had filed against the government, KIADB, and officials. It is gathered that he has been invited for discussion on his demand for alternative agricultural land in place of compensation. The officials have offered to provide employment to a member of his family in MRPL, besides allowing him to harvest the crops presently being raised in the land in question.

After protracted court battle, the district administration had demolished his house on April 28 last year. Gregory, who undertook a hunger strike in June last, had withdrawn it after the Chief Minister promised to do him justice. As per the orders of the CM, divisional commissioner from Mysore, M V Jayanti, had conducted spot inspection, but her report had stated that there is no other alternative to acquire this land for the project.