SALEM: The second phase of public hearing on the proposed Green Express Corridor project was held at Ayothiyapattinam in the district on Tuesday. A total of 208 farmers were invited to it. Some farmers who were not invited also came, but the police removed them from the hall where the meeting was held. Farmers from Kuppanur walked out of the meeting.
Surveying the land to be taken over for the project in Salem district was completed on June 25 and the first public hearing on the matter was held on July 7 at Ayothiyapattinam. This was for farmers from five villages whose lands and houses will be acquired.
The second public hearing, again at Ayothiyapattinam, was for farmers from Adimalaipudur, Achankuttapatti, Aramanur, Kuppanur, Kathiripatti, Ayothiyapattinam and Masinaickenpatti.
District Revenue Officer R Sukumar, who presided, listened to the farmers’ views and grievances. The farmers appeared divided: while a section of them supported the project, saying that it is good for the public, though it would affect their livelihoods, another group opposed it.
Officials met each farmer in person to get their views. But some farmers objected to it and asked officials to conduct the hearings so that all those present could participate in the proceedings and know what is happening.
In fact, 30 farmers from Kuppanur, who were invited to participate, walked out of the hall and raised slogans against the project outside.
They told media persons that officials were not giving proper information about the project. They were holding consultations with every farmer separately and assuring them of more compensation and benefits to make them support the project. “We want the hearing to be held openly, in common for all farmers,” said one of them.
In view of the public hearing, there was heavy police deployment at the hall. Only farmers who were invited were allowed into the hall, and that too, after a thorough check by the police.