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Journalism of Courage
Call for radius of 500 yards at Red Zone
While the defence authorities have indicated that the 8220;outer safety distance8221; radius around the Dighi magazine depot at Bhosari could not be reduced below 760 meters, former MP Anna Joshi today demanded that the radius be fixed at 500 yards, which, he said, will spare all houses and the decision would also be in compliance with defence rules.
Speaking to newspersons, Joshi cited Rule 7c of the Works of Defence Act 1903 according to which no constructions are permitted within a radius of 500 yards of the Magazine Depot.
Stating that the defence had issued a notification as per the provisions of the Act, there should be no objection to constructions beyond the radius of 500 yards and therefore there should be no regulations of the Red Zone area beyond that distance.
Asserting that he was demanding an amicable long-term settlement, Joshi said this could be achieved only by adhering to the stipulated rules. Suggesting alternative solutions Joshi said if the depot cells 7 and 8 were shifted up to 500 feet northwards, there would be no question of rehabilitation of any families and the issue of acquisition of land would not arise. If the depot could not be shifted, the Defence rules should be followed, he said adding that the Defence authorities should direct the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation PCMC to provide civic amenities to the area beyond the radius of 500 yards.
Meanwhile, the local Red Zone citizens action committee has expressed its resentment as it was left out during the visit of the Defence delegation and their discussion with the civic authorities last Friday. In a letter to Defence Minister George Fernandes, Anna Joshi and president of the committee Subhash Khade said that the discussions with the civic authorities and the subsequent announcement of the decision by the Mayor and the municipal commissioner was not expected as the delegation was supposed to submit its report to him Fernandes.
The letter pointed out that as per decisions of the meeting held in New Delhi on July 6, the delegation should have inspected the site along with committee members.
