Karnataka - Hubli-Dharwad   

Government urged to drop plan to acquire farm land for SEZs

Staff Correspondent

`Land may be used for purposes other than industries'

HUBLI: The State unit of the Raita Krishi Karmikara Sanghatane has criticised the State Government's decision to acquire what it termed "fertile agricultural land" for setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, president of the sanghatane S. Suneetkumar said it was disheartening that even when the farmers' protest against SEZs in West Bengal was continuing, the State Government had taken such a hasty decision.

Minister for industries Katta Subramanya Naidu had announced that land would be acquired at Bangalore, Mysore, Belgaum Udupi, Kolar, Ramnagar, Bijapur, Raichur and Bidar for setting up SEZs. Of the total land acquired, there were chances that 75 per cent of it could be used for real estate business, he alleged.

Dr. Suneetkumar alleged that the Government was trying to create an impression that large number of industries would be set up in the State after the setting up of SEZs. The lands of farmers would be used for setting up recreation clubs and five-star hotels, he alleged.

He said the Government was not divulging the hidden agenda in acquiring fertile lands close to important cities and towns in the State. "If the State Government was really interested in improving the industrial scenario, then it could have done the same by reviving sick industrial units," he said.

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