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Government acquisition of land is indeed an important issue and infrastructure projects in **developed**countries have been held up for years and years because of local protests. Among the most famous is the delay in setting up Narita airport in Japan. There is a lot to be said in being reluctant to break up vibrant local communities. All that the government needs to do is to say sorry, take land elsewhere. But the current Indian reality is that in Karnataka, and elsewhere, **poor people are leaving villages for cities in search of work because poor farmers are hit the most by depleting waster resources.** Lastly, the issue of government land coming cheap. The reality is that increasingly the government is able to procure land only at near market prices. Doing otherwise leads to protracted litigation. It is well within the government's powers to improve its land acquisition process so that commercial organisations get land only at market prices. Wipro is currently in protracted negotiations with the West Bengal government over the price at which it will be allotted the land it has sought. **You have to invariably turn to the government when you need large consolidated tracts as only the government can put them together.** It is for the government to formulate a people-friendly policy and work it honestly. What is wrong is using a policy when it suits you, and setting it aside when it doesn't. [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- It is sad to see the Mopa airport issue being practically reduced to a matter of North Goa vs South Goa over alleged profitting from land deals. Are we seeing the makings of a "civil (aviation) war" in Goa? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
