No forced land acquisition for Gadchiroli MIDC and steel project, says CM Fadnavis

Gadchiroli, Nov 6: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given a clear assurance that land will not be acquired by force for the proposed MIDC and steel project in Gadchiroli district. He said the process would move ahead only after taking the affected farmers fully into confidence and with their consent.

On Thursday, a delegation of farmers met the Chief Minister at his residence, Ramgiri, in Nagpur. Farmers from 14 villages in the Bhendala area and 13 villages in the Yenapur-Jayrampur area had agitated over the land acquisition process for the proposed MIDC and steel project. The meeting was held in view of this. The delegation put forward its position and demands on the acquisition.

The Chief Minister directed that a special committee be formed under the chairmanship of District Collector Avishyant Panda. He suggested that the committee understand the farmers' difficulties, objections and demands, speak in detail with all the parties concerned, and find a way acceptable to everyone.

Mr Fadnavis said there should be continuous dialogue so that no conflict arises between the project and local farmers. He also appealed for a positive outlook, with a long-term vision of all-round development of the district and creating jobs for coming generations.

Gadchiroli Co-Guardian Minister Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, MLA Dr Milind Narote, Special Inspector General of Police Sandeep Patil, District Collector Avishyant Panda, Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh, senior officials of various departments and farmers' representatives were present at the meeting.