Restoration of Patrao land impossible: DC

Restoration of Patrao land impossible: DC

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 7: A meeting convened on May 6, Thursday, to find a solution to the forceful acquisition of Mr. Gregory Patrao’s land by the KIADB was inconclusive. 

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel; Eesha Vittaladasa Swamiji, the head of Kemar Math; Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji, the head of Pejawar Math; DC V. Ponnuraj; district administration officials; representatives of the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd.; and social organizations attended this meeting. 

During the meeting, it was proposed that the family could live in the 6.99 acres of land where the family was located before demolition so that the family could harvest the crop and vacate after the monsoons. After that, the family could be rehabilitated in a shelter acceptable to them. 

Mr. Kateel asked Mr. Patro what kind of justice he wanted. The farmer tearfully replied that he would like to keep his land because he had cultivated it all his life and did not know any other way of making a living. 

The DC said that the demolition had been carried out as per law and that legal procedures could be employed in case of complaints. 

At the end of the meeting, the DC informed the media that restoration of the land is impossible; but the district administration could help rehabilitate the Patrao family. 

In the meantime, Mr. Patrao has been given 2 days to discuss the matter with his family members and come to a decision.