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ShareThe discrimination shown by the state government in allottingland to the elite National Security Guard (NSG) and Force One -- the state-owned specialised police force to combat terrorists -- to set up bases in the city has raised many eyebrows.
The state government hasallotted a 98-acre plot to ForceOne at Aarey Colony, Goregaon, whereas NSG had to be content with just 23 acres. And that tooafter the union home ministrydemanded nearly 100 acres forits squad.
The land was handed over to the state police after the chief minister put his signature of sanction recently. The first batch of Force One, comprising 240 commandos, is ready to take charge after itcompleted its training in Pune.The second batch is undergoing training. The NSG hub, comprising nearly 200 commandos, is at present camped in Kalina. They areexpected to shift by the end ofthis month to Marol where they have been allotted the land.
The discriminatory treatment meted out to the central force has not gone down well with several people. When questioned on the issue, PK Jain, principal secretary (Home), said that a bigger plot of land for the NSG can be thought of, but only if demanded.
"We were running short of land and the NSG wanted the landurgently. The 23 acres given to the NSG at Marol was the only possible piece of contiguous land at that time. If they demand and identify a bigger plot, it can alwaysbe thought of."
The newly-allotted land of Force One will be utilised for training and accommodation of the personnel."We have taken possession of the land. The training of the batches will be completed at Pune before the plot gets ready."
Debi Goenka of the Conservation Action Trust said, "Giving the land to Force One will be a blessing in disguise. Majority of the land would remain protected and open, no builder can grab it."
As the site is close to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the issue of animals also crops up. However, as the wildlife in the park is used to occasional high degree of noise during Diwali and also because of vehicular traffic on Ghodbunder Road and train movement along the park, it will not be affected.
(With inputs from Ashwin Aghor)
