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Our Bureau

Visakhapatnam April 27 Lok Satta is opposed to setting up of industrial units, or special economic zones, in fertile agricultural lands, and only arid or semi-arid lands should be identified for the purpose, according to Dr N. Jayaprakash Narain, National Convener.

After touring Srungavarapukota area in Vizianagaram district, where the Jindal alumina refinery is to be set up, he said at a press meet here on Friday that "there is really no conflict between agriculture and industry, and both can be developed simultaneously, if the Government formulates a proper policy".

He said agricultural lands should not be touched, and "even in the arid or semi-arid zones the farmers should be adequately compensated. The compensation should not only be in form of cash.

DEMAND FOR FAIR DEAL

"If 100 acres is required for a project, 200 should be acquired in such barren zones. The whole land should be developed and the displaced should be given back the developed land, besides cash and jobs in the units. Only then will there be no heartburn among farmers," he explained.

Making it clear that Lok Satta was not opposed to industrialisation per se, he said the Jindal project at the proposed location would cause immense harm.

"It is like burning down emerald fields to set up industries. There are other locations, other choices," he said.

Dr Narain said his party would contest the elections to be held in 2009, "to usher in a new kind of politics, untainted by money and muscle power".

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