Khed SEZ plan: Public hearing to address eco concerns

To be jointly addressed by revenue officials and members of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB),the recommendations will be forwarded to the central government. Resident Deputy Collector Anil Pawar said all environmental concerns will be addressed in this public hearing held for the second phase of land acquisition.

“Villagers can express concerns on air,water,soil and other environmental threats. The views will be forwarded to the central government which will decide on environmental clearance for the project,” he said.

The first phase of rehabilitation and settlement package was completed last year and is being showcased as an ideal package by officers.

The SEZ,a 76:24 joint venture between Bharat Forge and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC),will span over 7,192 hectares across 17 villages. The third and last phase will see acquisition of 3,900 hectares in six villages.

Villagers of Nimgaon,Dhavadi,Kendur and Kanersar in Khed and Shirur talukas gave up their land for the first phase. The second phase will see acquisition from Gosasi,Pur,Pabal,Retawadi,Warude,Chaudharwadi and Wapgaon. While 200 hectares belong to the government,1,700 hectares will have to be acquired from the villagers. A package similar to the one in Khed-Shirur will be worked out once the second phase gets the final nod.

In the first phase,according to the package worked out by the MIDC,a farmer gets Rs 17 lakh per hectare and sops like guaranteed employment to one person from every project-affected family and a buyback option for up to 15 per cent of developed land after paying the original cost of the land plus an additional 50 per cent. Those who lost their houses got 375 sq ft of built-up area on 3,000 acres of land in a new housing colony and Rs 10,000 for shifting their house. Landless labourers,too,benefited from the package — Rs 65 per person per family for 600 days.