MADC will not acquire land without logic

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MADC will not acquire land without logic: Madan

TNN | Jun 19, 2011, 09.37pm IST

NAGPUR: Ever since its launch, the ambitious Mihan project has been marred by various controversies and a slow pace of developments. However, on Saturday, UPS Mihan, the newly elected vice chairman of the Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation, which is the father of Mihan, said the project will get its due attention.

Speaking after taking charge, Madan admitted that the project had failed to gather pace which it deserved. He, however, said that now it won't happen. "If on our own we fail to attract industries in Mihan, we would not hesitate to appoint a private consultant for marketing the project," he said.

Refuting the charge that Mihan was politically hyped, Madan said if completed, the project will not only provide job opportunities in Vidarbha but also remove the region's backlog.

Since the government had announced his name, Madan had already started doing work. "I had already spoken to officials from TCS and Satyam. TCS has promised to start their project in the next three to four months," Madan claimed. "Once we are able to convince the existing companies to come, others will start follow."

Till date, Mihan has acquired around 2086 hectare of which 800 hectare has been allotted while 1200 hectare is lying unused.

On MADC's plan to acquire additional land in Jaitala and Bhamti villages to construct the second runway, Madan said that the MADC will not acquire land without any logic. He also clarified that if required land which was acquired earlier will be de-notified.

He also blamed the recession for the slowdown in Mihan. "But now the economy has improved a lot and we can hope for the best," he said. Madan, however, expressed concern over current policy for setting up of industries in SEZ projects. It hardly gives any incentives, so new units are reluctant to come in SEZs.

To expedite the project, the new MADC vice-chairman is also planning to approach the state government for financial assistance to complete the infrastructural developments in Mihan.

Replying to a query, Madan assured that action will be initiated if any realtors had committed any violation.

Earlier, a committee of Mihan was convened at the divisional commissioner's office. It was attended by Madan, divisional commissioner BV Gopala Reddy and district collector Saurabh Rao. Later, a meeting with local MLAs Chandrashekhar Banwankule, Devendra Fadnavis and project affected persons (PAP) was held.

On the basis of PAPs' demand, the committee will prepare a report demanding 12.5% developed land for them. "Besides, compensation issue will also be sorted out," said Madan.