Hinjewadi IT park in a limbo

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation's (MIDC) plans to expand the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in the fourth phase at Hinjewadi have received a setback as the villagers of Maan (about 30 km from Pune) violently protested against it last week.

MIDC has proposed to expand the software park to meet the ever increasing demand for land from the IT sector and notified its intentions to acquire 465 acres in Maan (Mulshi tehsil), adjacent to Hinjewadi. About 100 acres has been demanded by IT major Infosys alone.

The work of land measurement, scheduled for Wednesday was met with stiff resistance from villagers which eventually turned violent, resulting in lathi charge by police and arrest of over 60 protestors.

Anil Kavade, regional officer, MIDC, clarified that the notices for acquisition had been sent and the next step in the process will be measurement of land.

"Thereafter, the maps and details of exact nature of acquisition from each land owner will be published. The next stage will be inviting objections where the farmers stand can be established," Kavade said.

He pointed out that the land has been reserved for expansion of the Rajeev Gandhi Infotech Park and the only subject open to discussion was the rate of compensation and other concessions for local villagers.