Congress worried about Hazira residents’ safety

Aghast at the Gujarat government’s apathy to the situation of thousands of residents in villages surrounding Hazira, the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president, Siddharth Patel, on Thursday stated the people’s issues should be taken seriously by the government and acted upon immediately. "The 200 meter wide escape road for 20 km between Hazira and Bhesan as well as the railway line should be constructed in such a manner, that the livelihood of the residents is not affected," Patel stated.

According to the villagers, if the escape road is constructed, over 100 houses in Damka, Bhatlai, Mora, Rajgari, Suvali, Junagam and Hazira villages will have to be destroyed. These people will lose their livelihood. "These villagers have informed us that if the government goes ahead with the construction, there will be a Singur-like revolt from them, even perhaps forcing some of them to commit suicide," Cong sources said.

Villagers have refused entry of vehicles in Hazira village, besides boycotting all government functions and threatening to choke all routes by demonstrations and chakka bandh. Patel said the villagers fear aggressive demonstrations if the government goes ahead with the plan. "We are not against development in the state to accommodate industries, but a middle path has to be arrived at to accommodate the villagers’ concerns as well. I hope the government will recognise this and take corrective steps before the situation gets out of control," Patel said.