The Telugu Desam (TD) on Sunday demanded that government restore the Kakinada special economic zone (KSEZ) lands to farmers on the lines of West Bengal. The TD politburo member, Mr Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, told repo-rters that the West Bengal Chief Minister, Ms Mama-ta Banarjee, had cancelled lands which were acquired for Tata company and res-tored the land to farmers.

He said that land acquisition for KSEZ was not legally valid, hence government had passed an award for lands but it had not deposited this in the land owners' account.

He said that the Union government had not given any notification till now and the KSEZ did not set up any industry in the area, though land acquisition was completed six years ago. He said that at the time of acquiring lands from farmers, government and KSEZ authorities had made many promises to villagers such as providing jobs to every family; none of these were fulfilled.

He said that the Kakinada coast was not suitable for either PCPIR or SEZs as there was vast fishing and other activities. He said that initially, the authorities had told farmers and people that the lands was for an ONGC refinery.

The ONGC withdrew from the project. He said that KSEZ authorities had no right to give the lands to the GMR Group without the permission of farmers since the purpose was invalid. He said that farmers should be allowed to take up cultivation again. Mr Ramakrishnudu said that if some farmers agree to give their lands to the KSEZ at present market value, the authorities should hold public hearings in the area and get permission from people.