CITU protests acquisition of fertile lands for SEZ

Special Correspondent

Statewide propaganda against the endeavour planned

Puducherry: Puducherry district unit of the Centre of Indian Trade
Unions (CITU) resolved to organise a conference before December end to
bring to focus the "serious implications and threat" to the farm lands,
farmers and agricultural labourers, the Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
would pose if the Government went ahead with its indiscriminate plan to
acquire fertile lands for the project. The president of the CITU, G.
Ramasamy, said here on Monday that the proposal to set up the zone on an
extent of around 850 acres in Karasur and Sedarapet villages in
Villianoor commune panchayat limits would harm farmers and farm
labourers, as the acquisition would deprive them of their source of
livelihood and perish rural economy.

The Government should, in the alternative, select barren land.

The CITU also objected to the Government proposal to acquire fertile
lands for the Special Development Zone (for satellite town project), as
farmers in the villages on the outskirts of Puducherry would also be hit.

Prior to the conference, propaganda would be launched throughout the
length and breadth of Puducherry and its outlying regions to enlist the
support of the people, Mr. Ramasamy added.
http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/12/stories/2006121203020300.htm