Twitter
Advertisement

Gujarat govt in talks with tribals over land dispute problem

The government also requested the court to adjourn the hearing till September 16, which was allowed by the court.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

The state government on Thursday submitted to the Gujarat High Court that it is in discussion with the tribal families, which have moved court against their eviction from the six villages adjoining the Statue of Unity, for the development of tourism projects in the area. The government also requested the court to adjourn the hearing till September 16, which was allowed by the court.

Notably, the high court had on July 25 restrained the government from evicting the tribals for the execution of tourism projects. The petitioners have claimed that the state government had initiated land acquisition proceedings in the area in 1961-62 for Narmada River Project Scheme.

The land of the tribals residing in the villages of Kevadia, Vaghadiya, Navagam, Limbdi, Gora, and Kothi, was also acquired for the purpose of constructing canals and roads. The petitioners have claimed that the land acquired from several tribal families was never utilised for the purpose for which it was acquired and the physical possession of the land was never taken over.

On the contrary, the state government has vehemently opposed the contentions raised by the petitioners and submitted its reply to the court in this regard.

The reply filed by the deputy collector and managing director of Sardar Sarovar Nigam Limited (SSNL) provides that the total area of the six villages was acquired between 1961 and 1963. Of these, the physical possession of land in five villages admeasuring 1814.65 acres was already taken and additional compensation was offered by way of packages, which was willingly accepted by the landholders.

The government has also contended that in some cases, it has been found that in spite of the actual possession of land being taken over by SSNL, the beneficiaries, having already taken the benefit under the compensation package, have unauthorisedly again taken over the possession of land.

The government has also submitted that right to property is no more recognised as an absolute fundamental right and the government can deprive a person of his property after following due process of law. It also contended that the tribals were given special packages, apart from the regular award under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, to ensure their social and economic development.

The government has also refuted the allegation of the petitioners that the tourism development projects have affected the forest in the area.

Instead, the government has stated that it has taken steps to preserve the forests by undertaking tree plantation and its plans to develop Jungle Safari Park, Valley of Flowers, Ekta Nursery, Cactus Garden, Vishwa Van, and Bharat Van are going to aid to this purpose.

The government submitted that 18 lakh visitors have visited the Statue of Unity in just 228 days till July 21, with an average footfall of 6,358 visitors on weekdays and 11,128 visitors on weekends.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement