Essel likely to drop Gorai SEZ plan

Move comes in wake of agitation by locals.

Essel Group is re-evaluating its plans to build the proposed special economic zone in Gorai, in suburban Mumbai, following agitation from local residents, the company said.

"The Gorai SEZ is just one among many future business projects of the Essel Group, and the group is re-evaluating its business interests to go ahead with this project," the company said, quoting Chairman Subhash Chandra.

"Essel is ready to drop the project," it said.

This comes in wake of the recent agitation by activists like Medha Patkar, Ulka Mahajan, and Surekha Dalvi, who joined hands with the local residents of Gorai to protest against the proposed SEZ that would displace local ethnic population.

Coming out strongly against the activists, senior vice-president, corporate affairs, Nilesh Mistry said they were complete outsiders to this region, and clueless on the norms regarding development of the region.

"We would like to ask them if they have done anything by way of economic development that has benefited the local community," Mistry said.

Meanwhile, Chandra said development of Gorai by Essel Group would "protect the region for future generations" from "builders' lobby and anti-social elements."

The entire belt between Manori to Uttan, including Gorai, was declared a recreation and tourism development zone by the state government in 1999.

Essel Group already has two amusement parks""Essel World and Water Kingdom""operating in this area.

It has so far employed around 442 locals at these recreation centres.