Decision on Watad's proposed defense cluster within a week; villagers' interests given top priority – Industry Minister Dr. Uday Samant
City News Mumbai••0 views•4 min read
Ratnagiri | (City News Mumbai)
In the Watad industrial estate of Ratnagiri taluka, a detailed review of villagers’ doubts, land‑related questions, and potential restrictions arising from the proposed defense cluster will be undertaken, and a decision will be taken within the next week, said Industry and Marathi Language Minister, Ratnagiri Guardian Minister and Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Dr. Uday Samant at a press conference.
The dignitaries of the Watad MIDC Opposition Struggle Committee met Dr. Uday Samant today. Officials of the Struggle Committee were also present at the subsequent meeting. On behalf of the committee, Prathamesh Gawankar thanked Dr. Samant for the government’s positive response to the committee’s demands.
Demand for reconsideration of the defense cluster accepted positively The Watad MIDC Opposition Struggle Committee has demanded a reconsideration of the proposed defense cluster. The government has taken this demand positively and will take the next decision only after ensuring that the project will not cause any inconvenience to local villagers, farmers, and traders.
Report on possible restrictions over 1000 acres requested A detailed report has been requested from the district authorities on what kinds of restrictions could be imposed over the roughly 1000‑acre area proposed for the defense cluster, how those restrictions would affect local citizens, and what difficulties the project might create. The report has been instructed to be submitted within eight days, and if received earlier, a decision could be taken based on it, Dr. Uday Samant said.
Houses, temples and orchard lands will not be affected Dr. Samant stated clearly that no project in Watad will damage locals’ houses, temples, agricultural land, or mango and cashew orchards. He emphasized that the MIDC expansion will not be carried out in a manner that harms villagers’ interests.
Immediate removal of entries on houses ordered If any entries or encumbrances exist on houses in the Watad area, Dr. Uday Samant has instructed the district authorities to investigate them promptly and clear the records of the concerned households.
Claims of traders to be decided on merit In pending trader claims, instructions have been given to record entries based on priority and quality without any political interference. Dr. Uday Samant added that the district officer and the action committee will meet on 28 or 29 September.
Village‑wise dialogue to clear misunderstandings The government has taken the stance that any future industrial project, including the defense cluster, will be advanced only after gaining the trust of locals. Accordingly, district officers and tehsildars have been asked to hold village‑wise dialogue meetings to understand villagers’ difficulties, expectations, and doubts, Dr. Samant said.
District officer as nodal officer A district officer has been appointed as the nodal officer to coordinate various matters related to the Watad MIDC and the defense cluster. Dr. Uday Samant clarified that coordination and transparency will be emphasized at the administrative level throughout the process.
Priority to locals in employment When industries set up in the Watad area, employment opportunities must be made available to local citizens. Hence, industries are expected to give preference to locals in recruitment, a policy the government has consistently upheld. Dr. Samant affirmed that protecting locals’ interests while fostering industrial development will remain a priority.
Preference to environmentally friendly industries While establishing industries in the MIDC area, care will be taken to ensure that the environment is not harmed. Zero discharge and compliance with environmental standards will remain essential for industries, Dr. Samant explained.
Balancing industrial development and local interests Various industrial and port‑related projects are already operational in the Watad area. Future industries should provide locals with jobs, economic opportunities, and development benefits, but should not impinge on locals’ rights. The government’s role will remain balanced, Dr. Uday Samant expressed.
Coordination through dialogue and solutions through coordination Instead of confrontation, the focus is on finding a way forward on the Watad defense cluster issue through dialogue. “Through dialogue, coordination, and resolution,” Dr. Uday Samant said, discussions will continue among the administration, villagers, and the action committee to find a path that serves everyone’s interests.
