Journalism of Courage
Even as lack of space is forcing software companies in Hinjewadi tech park to scout for alternative locations for realising their expansion plans,Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday asked farmers residing in the vicinity to develop their land on Magarpatta and Nanded City model.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the new school
building in village Maan on Wednesday.
The issue of expansion and acquisition of land for the proposed Phase IV of Hinjewadi tech park has been a hot topic among local residents. In 1990s,the state government had notified over 465 hectares in Maan to be acquired for the Phase IV of Hinjewadi park. Violent protests by the farmers had made land acquisition impossible,although on paper the notified land is registered in the name of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). This has made any land deal and availing loans impossible for farmers.
The scarcity of land in and around the park has resulted in stunted growth of IT companies.
Pravin Kulkarni,associate vice-president,Infosys,said lack of land has put a question mark on the future development plans of the company.
As of now,we require 150 acres for our expansion plan. We are hopeful that MIDC will be able to provide us the land, he said.
While Kulkarni expressed confidence that MIDC would be able acquire land,Pawar played to the galleries saying he would try to get the MIDC name removed from the land records keeping in view the popular sentiment.
The state government had issued a notification putting MIDC on 7/12 records. Farmers are against it and we need to find a way out. If need be,you can approach Supreme Court and I will help you in your fight, he said.
Pawar asked farmers to promise him that they would not sell their land to builders.
You should develop the land by forming a cooperative as in Magarpatta or Nanded, he said. He asked village elders to discuss the matter and form a consensus.
