Call for zameen wapsi' amidst multi-crore illegal dealings in land acquisition

[email protected] (CD Network)
April 20, 2016

Mangaluru, Apr 20: A group of social activists has demanded the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to immediately intervene and stop the illegal transfer of 147.384 acres of land by M/s Aspen Infrastructure Ltd (SEZ) to a third party and return all vacant lands as Zameen Wapsi' to the original owners of the lands before it was acquired for M/s Suzlon Infrastructure for the production of wind mill in Nadsal, Hejamady, Nandikoor and Palimaru villages of Udupi taluk.

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Addressing the Press in the city today, Lolaksha, Working President of Suzlon R&R Colony Abhivruddhi Samithi, said that KIADB authorities had given 641.915 acres of land to M/s. Suzlon Infrastructure Limited for the production of wind mill in those villages. But the company has not even utilised 100 acres of land in the SEZ area till date as it was not at all required to the company for the purpose it was acquired. The development commissioner of SEZs officially disclosed that 282.79 acres of land is still kept vacant in the processing area of the SEZ, he stated.

The KIADB and Revenue Department officials along with Suzlon management played mischief and allotted the land to the company much more than that of their actual requirement at a through away price by acquiring the lands in these four villages under Karnataka Industrial Area Development Act, 1966 by betraying the interests of the poor people of the area. It's a multi crore scandalous land deal involving high level officials and a business house, he alleged and demanded a CBI or COD investigation into this transfer of property to M/s Suzlon.

Contrary to the belief, hopes and desire of the people who sacrificed everything for the betterment of the State; M/s. Suzlon Infrastructure Limited (SEZ) and the concerned authorities have betrayed them in all respects and within two years, on 07.05.2009, it has transferred this acquired property in the name of M/s. Synefra Engineering & Construction Ltd. And again 3plus years later, on 21.09.2012, these properties have been transferred in the name of M/s. Aspen Infrastructure Ltd. Now M/s aspen initiated to sell 147 acres to the third party for a huge sum! All this has been done with the help of the Govt authorities, he stated.

Lolaksha said that, the delegation of Suzlon R&R Colony Abhivruddhi Samithi met Addl Chief Secretary, Dept of Industry and Commerce, Govt of Karnataka, Ms Rathna Prabha and submitted a memorandum in this regard. She assured the delegation that the Government won't allow the company to sell the property to the third party and ordered for an enquiry. But so far the committee has not received any information in this regard from ACS he said.

Lolaksha demanded the Congress Govt in the State should immediately repealKarnataka Industrial Area Development Act, 1966, which is a draconian law or incorporate pro-people provisions, which were part of UPA Act of 2013 into the KIAD Act.

Vidya Dinakar, a social activist, demanded the govt should come out with white paper on land allotments to various SEZs in the state and its utilisation.

Shekar hejmady, Mysuru divisional convenor of Dalit Sangharsha Samithi, Umanatha KR, president of Suzlon R&R Colony Abhivruddhi Samithi and Udaya Shetty, District President of Manava Hakku Parishat were present.

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Comments

p.m.saleem razak
 - 
Thursday, 21 Apr 2016

very good move in the same.. in jokatte mangalore KIADB Acquired plenty of land in 1990 for Nagarjuna project but still no project is started and they are going to sell this land for others this is not acceptable, and the entire land should be given back to farmers immediately this KIADB is playing with poor farmers.

p.m.saleem razak
 - 
Thursday, 21 Apr 2016

yes very good move the above said KIADB also acquired plenty of land in jokatte mangalre for NAGARJUNNA PROJECT IN MANGALORE in 1990 but still now the prjoect not come in force, in the same way these jokatte mangalore farmers also get back their Accquired land at the earliest.

Jithu
 - 
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2016

Can Mangaloreans lead the Zameen Wapsi movement? If this campaign turns into a movement we can witness the birth of more kejriwals

Jalal
 - 
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2016

I lost my land for MRPL a decade ago. Can i get it back ??? Now i can sell the same land for crores :p

Deepak
 - 
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2016

Yes let us raise voice for Zameen Wapsi, not only in coastal Karnataka, but throughout India and not only from SEZ but from all tycoons to the farmers.

Nidhi
 - 
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2016

A massive movement to pressurise the govt to repeal the draconian KIAD Act is need of the hour.

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News Network
November 10,2024

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Mangaluru: A tragic accident took place on Saturday at Chembugudde near Thokkottu, claiming the life of a 47-year-old woman after a tanker lorry ran over her. The victim, identified as Rahmat H Rashid, was riding pillion with her husband, Abdul Rashid G, on their scooter. 

The couple was traveling from Yenepoya Hospital to Bajpe when the scooter skidded on the poorly maintained road. Rahmat fell onto the road and was fatally struck by a tanker lorry that was coming from behind. Despite being rushed to the hospital, doctors declared her dead upon arrival.

The incident prompted a swift response from the DYFI Ullal Taluk Committee, which staged a protest on Saturday night, condemning the unsafe condition of the road. Nithin Kuthar, president of the committee, criticized MLA and Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader for failing to ensure safe infrastructure, despite touting the road as toll-free. 

Kuthar demanded immediate repairs, warning that the committee would march to the MLA’s office with black flags if the road is not fixed within a week.

Former DYFI State President Sunil Kumar Bajal also voiced frustration over the deteriorating condition of Thokkottu market, highlighting the struggles people face while crossing roads riddled with dangerous potholes. In response to public outcry, temporary repairs were made to the road at Chembugudde on Sunday, though locals remain wary and demand a more permanent solution. 

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News Network
November 19,2024

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In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

  • Clearly displaying pool depths.
  • Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
  • Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
  • Establishing clear pool operating hours.
  • Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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