Projects precede public hearing
PUBLIC hearing for two projects promoted by the Adani group in Gujarat’s Kachchh district were held amid loud protests. Villagers and fishers were angry about the scheduling of the hearings for the Mundra Port and its special economic zone and a power plant on two consecutive days—October 5 and 6.
The two hearings were initially slated for October 5. It was staggered over two days on the intervention of the Gujarat High Court, but people were not given sufficient notice. “It was quite difficult for affected communities like fishers and salt workers to reach the venue at Luni village,” said Bharat Patel, of Machimar Adhikar Sangharsh Sangathan, a fishworkers forum of Kuchchh.
At the hearing, affected villagers exchanged angry words with district officials, accusing them of favouring Adanis. Activists said the hearing was a farce as work on the two projects has already begun. More than 1,000 hectares of mangrove has been destroyed due to dredging on the mundra coast.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.