A Mockery of A Public Hearing in Chhattisgarh
Channel: VideoVolunteers
Date: 25/09/2013

Community Correspondent, Savita Rath documents the show put on by the state authorities in Chhattisgarh to facilitate Jindal Steel Pvt. Limited to set up a coal block in the village of Gare in Raigarh District. 

On 25th September 2013, the District Collector called for a public hearing for the people of Gare to share their concerns on giving up their land. Savita has been involved in the people's movement, mobilising them into action. She collected statements from residents at a previous hearing that had been called. The residents have opposed these Public hearings as they feel they are a farce. 

"The District Collector is a puppet of the Jindals", says one irate resident.

Technically, the public hearing is supposed to be preceded by village level council meetings seeking permission to take over land for development. These have not taken place. Gare comes under the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act which gives the village councils a final say over the diversion of their land.

Call to Action: Please Call Mr Mukesh Bansal, Collector, Raigarh on 09425274165 and ask him to ensure that the demands of the residents of Gare are met.