NLCIL destroys paddy crop to expand its mines

PUDUCHERRY: Tension prevailed at villages near Sethiathope in Cuddalore district on Wednesday as NLC India Limited (NLCIL) started taking possession of farmlands acquired by the company between 2006 and 2013 for its mine II expansion project by destroying standing paddy crops in the farmlands.
Scores of workers with the help of giant machinery started destroying the crops to clear the farmlands to lay canals in the land.Farmers, representatives of various farm associations and political parties started gathering in large numbers as soon as the news spread that NLCIL started destroying the crops.
The government posted a heavy posse of police force led by DIG (Villupuram range) Ziaul Haque and Cuddalore SP R Rajaram to prevent any untoward incidents. NLCIL officials maintained that the lands have been acquired between 2006 and 2013 and the company had given adequate compensation to the landowners.
The company maintained that it required 100 hectares of land including 30 hectares to lay canals immediately for its mine II expansion plans. The company had directed them not to raise crops as it will take over the land as and when required. However, farmers continued to cultivate crops over the years and the company could take possession of the lands acquired more than 10 years ago.
Meanwhile, the Cuddalore district administration said the government will provide adequate compensation to the farmers for crop loss within a week. The administration said the company commenced activities based on the decisions taken during the consultative meeting held between the representatives of the farm associations, political parties, company and the government.
Cuddalore collector A Arun Thamburaj told reporters that the NLCIL has also come forward to provide compensation to the farmers for crop loss. He claimed that the district administration has directed the farmers not to cultivate crops as early as in December last year.
Protestors pelted stones and damaged the windshields of more than a dozen government buses on Wednesday. They blocked the main roads leading to the villages with burning tyres urging the company and government to drop its proposal.