Industrial zone planned in 9 SEZ villages

GIRISH KUBER

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007 12:57:46 AM]

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government's special land acquisition officer
has recommended the removal of nine villages from the list of 45
earmarked for setting up the Maha Mumbai SEZ.

The official has contended that these villages have already been
reserved by the government, in 2003, for a township and an industrial
zone, and substantial investments have already been made for these
purposes.

The officer's report, a copy of which is with ET, states that large
parts of land in these villages have been mortgaged to raise money for
various industries. The report was submitted to the state revenue
department in the second week of May.

The Maha Mumbai SEZ is promoted by the Reliance group. When contacted,
the company spokesperson refused to comment.

These nine villages are among the 45 where the state government has
served notices under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act 1894. The
notices served last year are meant to seek suggestions/objections from
landowners on the government's decision to acquire their land for the
SEZ. As per the procedure, the Section 4 notices were followed by
personal hearing under Section 5 of the same Act. Under this, the
state's special land acquisition officer listens to every individual
whose land is being acquired for the project.

While listening to the villagers, the officer discovered that the land
has already been reserved in these villages. The SEZ Act allows taking
over of land that has not been reserved for any other purpose. The
officer, as per the procedure, has recommended the publication of
notification in the government gazette. The government, however, is yet
to act on it.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/Infrastructure/Industrial_zone_planned_in_9_SEZ_villages/articleshow/2129767.cms