Probe sought into Suzlon windmill case

Mumbai: The lands occupied in Dhule and Nandurbar by Suzlon for the setting up of windmills rocked the Maharashtra Legislative Council here on Wednesday. Cutting across partylines the ruling and opposition members claimed that Suzlon has allegedly grabbed the lands of tribals and farmers under the aegis of politicians and celebrities to implement wind power projects.

BJP leader Nitin Gadkari raised the issue in the state council and called for a thorough probe into the matter. He was later joined by the members of ruling Congress-NCP. The legislators were of the view that the company has allegedly cheated the farmers and tribals while taking control of their lands. The tribals and farmers have not been compensated properly and thus it demands a comprehensive inquiry.

The minister of non conventional energy Vinay Kore, who faced the member’s anguish, told the house that the government was prepared for an inquire into the matter. Initially, the minister announced a probe by state CID will be carried out. However, the members suspected that nothing will come out of the probe and thus demanded an inquiry by some other agency. Thus, the minister declared a three member committe headed by the additional chief secretary (revenue) will probe into the allegations made by the members and submit its report to the government. Further, the minister announced that the government will release within a month a package for compensation for land to farmers.

FE has been reporting on various incidents in which the villagers have either damaged the Suzlon offices or stopped the functioning of windmills.