Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KM/SM)

Mangalore, Nov 21: Public meet convened to discuss about the intended Special Economic Zone on Wednesday November 28 at Bejai Church auditorium must be postponed, urged Kateel Dinesh Pai, convener, SEZ Impact Assessment Committee (SEZIAC).

He was speaking at the press conference here on Wednesday November 21.
 
The report prepared by SEZ officials must be translated to Kannada so that the report reaches more number of locals, the convener informed. It must be seen that the translated version contains all the details, he added. 
 
Pai further said that the report is apparently misleading. SEZ has sought the environmental and other prerequisite clearance for 3985 acres of land. In reality SEZ has so far acquired only 1800 acres, he added. The difference clearly shows the hands of vested interests. If it continues then 85% of the Indian population will suffer, the convener alleged.  
 
The generation of employment is a false promise. It is highlighted in the propaganda of SEZ that more number of jobs will be created and provided to locals and displaced. But in fact it is added in the hidden clause that only qualified employees will be employed, this is against the interest of the locals, Pai elaborated.
 
SEZ has been arguing that its top priority is the environment of the region, but the ground reality is utterly a paradox. According to SEZ water recourses of the region contain no harmful chemicals, but the committee has proofs that water recourses do contain harmful chemicals at alarming level, he added.   
 
The reports are not prepared rather designed. It has been highlighted that the distance between the city and SEZ is 17 Kms, but the distance is less than 1.5 kms.

According to the norms of environmental ministry the distance is highly dangerous, said Upendra Hosabettu, president, Dakshina Kannada Parisarasta Okoota.
 
Sylvester D’Souza, Renny D’Souza and Madhav H were present at the press conference.