Land controversy might force investors to shift : FICCI

Kolkata, Aug 25 (UNI) The controversy over acquisition of farm land for industry that spurred the opposition to go for movement, might force investors to shift projects from West Bengal, FICCI today warned.

''The way controversy rages over the issue, may prompt investors to shift,'' FICCI Eastern Council Chairman C K Dhanuka said.

Talking at a meeting on the industrial scenario in West Bengal, Mr Dhanuka said the issue of land acquisition should not be politicised for the interest of the state. He observed only a small portion of the state's 13.6 million acres of agricultural land would be needed for setting up of industries and it should not create any problem.

He, however, observed that at least 70 per cent of the total area required for new industries should be single crop land and adequate compensation given to the displaced people.

In reply to a question on the demand of Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee that new projects should come up on the land of closed industrial units, Mr Dhanuka catergorically said such a proposition was not possible.

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