Along with the farmers' representatives protesting against the acquisition of agricultural land for setting up a defence industrial complex at Sulur Varapatti, Minister Senthil Balaji held talks at the Coimbatore District Collectorate.
Coimbatore: Farmers are protesting against the acquisition of agricultural land at Varapatti in Sulur taluk of Coimbatore district for setting up a defence factory.
The agitating group was called for talks with the Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji at the Coimbatore District Collectorate on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Minister Senthil Balaji said, "The Government had decided to acquire land for industrial development in Tirupur and Coimbatore districts. But will their land be lost among the peasants? There are fears that industries that pollute the air and water will come up. Only private company lands will be taken up for setting up an industrial park.
I assure you that no scheme will be brought in against the wishes of the farmers. The land will be acquired only at the price demanded by the farmers as per their wishes. The land will be taken only at a price agreed upon by the farmers who voluntarily give the land. Until then, there is no compulsion. No industry that pollutes water and air will be allowed there.
When the farmers objected to the Aliyar drinking water project, the Chief Minister cancelled the scheme and announced an alternative scheme. So this Government will not act against the interest of farmers. When this was explained to the farmers at the talks held today, they were also welcome to the idea. I appeal to the protesting farmers to understand this and call off the protests," reiterated Minister Senthil Balaji.