IndiaUnheard Community Correspondent Guudu Leheriya reports from Chhattisgarh on how the Government is using sly tactics to usurp agricultural land for industrial projects.
Dhan Das Mahant's fields, once his only source of livelihood are now covered by mud and have been taken over by 20 foot deep pits. This is all a part of a wider pan for the Government of Chhattisgarh to put up a power plant in the area.
In November 2010 Mahant was given an eviction notice by the government. He vehemently opposed and demanded fair compensation (Rs. 50,000 per acre and a permanent job) that would match the income he made from his agricultural land.
The demands went unheard and the land was taken in case. Mahant however is not the only loser in this game, another 110 families in the village have been thrown off their lands with no proper compensation and rehabilitation in sight.
There is an emerging pattern across rural Chhattisgarh and India where farmers stand to lose their land to such projects. In all cases the opposition is vocal and often met with state force.
Call to Action: Please call the District Collector on 09425282335 and ask him to ensure that the families in Rokda village are provided due compensation.
(See here: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Opposition_to_coal_in_India#February_2011:_Vocal_opposition_to_DB_Power_coal_mine_and_plant_in_Chhattisgarh)
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