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

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.

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.

Comments

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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Udupi’s Kamini Island set for eco-friendly development to boost tourism

News Network

November 15,2024

Udupi: The Tourism Department is planning a major eco-friendly development initiative for Kamini Island, located near the Blue Flag-certified Padubidri End Point beach, aiming to attract more visitors while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Assistant Director Kumar CU emphasized that, given the island’s proximity to the Blue Flag beach, all development efforts will center around eco-friendly practices. “We are looking to enhance the Kamini River and the island’s surroundings by adding a hanging bridge, nature trails, and eco-friendly food courts offering traditional cuisine. Visitors will also be able to reach the island by pedal boats or kayaking,” he said.

The development project is estimated to cost between Rs 3 crore and Rs 4 crore. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag beach, Padubidri, continues to see a steady flow of visitors. Vijay Shetty, manager of the beach, shared that tenders for food courts and water sports have been awarded to private parties. Recently, three new coracles have been introduced, which are proving to be a hit with visitors. Additionally, three more shelters are expected to be ready by November 20.

Shetty mentioned that the beach can now accommodate between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors daily, although footfall remains lower than other district beaches due to user fees and activity restrictions. “Initially, most visitors were from Mangaluru, but now nearly 40% come from other districts, showing a shift in the visitor demographics,” Shetty noted.

To further boost tourism and promote a healthy lifestyle, a Beach Carnival is set to take place on November 23-24, featuring the National Sea Swimming Championship and a sea marathon in collaboration with the Padubidri JCI, which is celebrating its golden jubilee. Cultural events will be held at the main beach, with some sports events taking place at the Blue Flag beach. Emphasis will be placed on making all activities environmentally friendly.

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