Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Jan 2: An alleged land scam in the Yeyyadi industrial area was the highlight of the meeting convened to address issues and concerns of small scale industrialists of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts at the DC's office here on Saturday January 2.

The meeting was convened by managing director of Karnataka Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (KSSIDC) Mohammed Mohsin.

A businessman from Yeyyadi industrial area raised the issue in the meeting. "As per the RTI query, about 17.58 acres land has been allotted to the industrial area. But as there is no boundary to the area, private parties have encroached the land. When I surveyed the area, only 13 acres of land was found. But when the officers concerned are questioned, they have no answers.

"During investigation, I found that an important file regarding this has been missing from many days. It is a government land. I urge you (Mohsin) to do the survey of the area," he added.

In response, the officer instructed the tahsildar to conduct a detailed survey and submit the report.

Many businessmen from the area submitted their grievances to the officer.

Ironically, an elderly businessman's words reflected the laxity in the department. "I have been trying to get a licence from 28 years. Now I am 65 and I may live upto 75 years. I will give ten years more to the corporation to set right the issue and grant me the licence," he said.

Stunned by the claim, the officer accepted the documents and instructed the officials concerned to process the request at the earliest.

Mohsin also listened to many of the grievances of the industrialists and promised to set them right at the earliest.

Speaking to media persons later, Mohsin said that as this (Yeyyadi industrial area encroachment) was a serious issue an internal enquiry would be done in this regard.

Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, ADC Kumar, and others were present.