A veteran PWP leader has warned the state government and promoters of the multi-product SEZ mooted by Reliance Groups in Raigad district that they will witness first hand the strength of the movement against forced land acquisition from farmers during a referendum on Sep 21.
"During the last six years, the government and the promoters have succeeded in acquiring only 13 per cent land. This, despite pressure upon and inducements to farmers. I won't be surprised if the company declares an enhanced compensation package in the next two or three days," N D Patil, senior leader of the PWP (Peasants and Workers Party), today said.
Reliance plans to set up its multi-product MahaMumbai SEZ on an estimated 10,000 hectares of land. The SEZ is expected to attract an investment of nearly Rs 40,000 crore and generate 20 lakh jobs.
"This is the first time over 22,000 farmers in 22 villages in the command area around the Hetawane dam have been given an opportunity to say 'yes' or 'no.' I am sure they will participate in the referendum to let the government know their feeling on its attempts to snatch away their land and livelihood," Patil said.
Raigad collector Nipun Vinayak has convened a special meeting of farmers in the 22 villages on September 21 to check if they want to part with their land for the SEZ. During the monsoon session of the State Legislature, an anti-SEZ delegation led by Patil met Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, prompting him to announce that the government would examine the proposal to exclude these villages from the SEZ.