Journalism of Courage
AFTER HAVING burnt its fingers during previous experiences of land acquisition for industries, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has changed both its attitude and methodology for the ongoing process of acquiring land for the Talegaon phase II industrial region. Bhushan Gagrani chief executive officer (CEO) MIDC said a similar model is being used for acquiring land in Raigad district as well.
Located on the old Mumbai Pune Highway, 454.986 hectares of land spread in the three villages of Navlakh Umbre, Badalwadi and Mendewadi in Maval taluka of Pune district has been earmarked for acquisition of Talegaon phase II MIDC. Although the official declaration is yet to be made, MIDC officers say this MIDC would house the Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn’s plant. Foxconn, which has clients across the globe is known for manufacturing iphone, ipad, Blackberry, Kindle and other high-end electronic devices. Last August, the company had signed an agreement with the Maharashtra government to set up its manufacturing plant in the state.
The rehabilitation package offered to project-affected person (PAP) other than the monetary compensation also includes 15 per cent developed land. In case of Talegaon phase, the MIDC has appointed the international consultancy firm McKinsey to develop a sustainable model for usage of the 15 per cent land. The industry body, on its part, is keen on pooling the 15 per cent developed land together rather than handing it over to individual owners. “This would be a more viable solution for the community in the long run,” he said.
While the Taiwanese giant is yet to formally make its request for land allocation, around 1,000 acres would be required for the plant. “We want to be battle ready so that we can deliver the land within three months of the request,” he said. Foxconn Gagrani said has recently opened its office at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Mumbai. The promised investment in the project is more than $ 5 billion.
