Farmers issue notices against land allotment

Legal notice says plot allocation for proposed jewellery park violated norms

Farmers of Ichhapore village, where the Gujarat Hira Bourse plans to develop a modern gem and jewellery Park, have slapped legal notices on the Gujarat chief minister, Union agriculture minister and Union environment minister among others.

The farmers are opposing allotting the land to Hira Bourse and are demanding that the land be returned to them. The notices were issued on behalf of the farmers by advocate Kumaresh Trivedi.

Advocate Trivedi said, "The land at Ichhapore was acquired by the Gujarat government to set up an industrial estate. The plan to develop the industrial estate, however, has not materialised till date." "In accordance with Rules 307 and 328 of the Land Acquisition Manual, the land should be returned to the original owners in such cases. But in this particular instance, the government is trying to allot the land to Gujarat Hira Bourse at a concessional rate for developing a jewellery park, instead of returning the land to the farmers," said Trivedi.

"The land at Ichhapore falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). The forest and environment department have prohibited any construction activity on such lands. Under these circumstances, the land cannot be allotted for any kind of construction, a norm which is violated if the land is allotted to Hira Bourse," said Trivedi.

"If GHB wants land to develop a jewellery park, the government should allot khar lands or waste lands which are available in abundance at Abhva, Suvali and Damka villages to it, instead of the fertile land of Ichhapore," said Trivedi.

"The land at Ichhapore is the source of livelihood for hundreds of farmers. If Hira Bourse is allotted the land at Ichhapore, it will have an adverse effect on the livelihood of farmers. It will also mean that the rights of poor farmers are denied with the only view of giving benefits and profits to diamond traders," said Trivedi.

"We have come to know that Gujarat Hira Bourse, which was registered in 2000, does not have any activity at any other place. We also hear the Hira Bourse is making members only with the view to sell the land and not to develop any industry," said Trivedi.

"There are many grounds on which we believe the land should be returned to farmers. We have issued notices to the chief minister and others, seeking the same. If we do not get a proper reply within 15 days, we will file a case in the Gujarat High Court," Trivedi added.

Notices have also been sent to Gujarat revenue minister, Union HRD Minister, Union environment and forests Minister, Gujarat revenue department secretary, GIDC chairman, Surat district collector, Gujarat urban development secretary and Gujarat forest and environment department secretary.