The proposed Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) is facing opposition from farmers for taking Navsari Agriculture University's (NAU) land near Ghod Dod Road.
More than 500 farmers and office-bearers of various co-operative units who gathered at the meeting alleged that some BJP leaders from Surat are behind the entire demand. The farmer leaders plan to meet chief minister Anandiben Patel during her visit to Surat on August 2. They also plan to hold demonstrations at various locations to oppose the move.
The General Secretary Jayesh Patel of Gujarat Khedut Samaj said, "Out of 112 hectares of NAU campus near Ghod Dod Road, nearly 20 hectares have already been reclaimed by Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and handed over for private and public use. Now, they want another 2 lakh square metres."
Patel claimed that a private marble selling unit, petrol pump and Surat city Science Centre have been developed on the NAU land. Moreover, "Around 10 lakh square metre farm land is unutilized for the last 10 years at Ichhapor Jewellery Park and the SDB can be developed there. Further, the Jewellery Park is close to airport as compared to the NAU campus," Patel added.
Aruna Gaitonde, Rough&Polished correspondent in India
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