Chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh tells Shubhangi Khapre that the power sector is his biggest worry. Transforming Maharashtra to be a power surplus state remains a challenge.
Which crucial sector in Maharashtra is worrying you the most?
The acute shortage of power is my biggest worry. The Democratic Front government has managed to generate just 2,000MW. Not long ago, we were known as a power surplus state. I am determined to restore the past glory. Through public and private projects we will attain surplus power by 2012.
Has Gujarat overtaken Maharashtra in industrial investment?
It is not true. Maharashtra still remains the most favoured destination for Indian as well as foreign investors. In the last four years, we roped in 95 projects. We have managed more than Rs79,000 crore investment in the state. There are 131 special economic zones in Maharashtra, the highest in the country.
Despite your initiative Ratan Tata chose Gujarat for the Nano project? Why?
Tatas wanted 1,000 acres of land near Mumbai-Pune. We asked them to consider Nashik, Aurangabad or Nagpur. The Mumbai-Pune industrial sector has reached a saturation point. There is no land left in Mumbai-Pune. Investors will have to look beyond that sector.
Public agitations against special economic zones is gaining momentum across state?
The protest is related to just Maha-Mumbai project (of Mukesh Ambani Reliance Group) at Raigad. Farmers in 22 villages in the command area of Hetawana dam have raised objections. As a policy, we cannot forcibly acquire cultivable land. We will strictly adhere to public opinion and the irrigation department’s opinion. In majority SEZs, government land will not be the issue as it is under MIDC possession. When SEZs are set up, logistics become important. If you are in the export sector, why protest against a project along the coastal region? A coal-based project will definitely prefer Vidarbha as the suitable destination.
It appears the government has become indifferent to farmers’ agitation?
Not at all. If that were the case we wouldn’t have invited suggestions and objections from the people. I believe the agitation is restricted to just 22 villages in Raigad. It is not across the state. It cannot impact overall industrial growth in the state.
The state is reeling under farmers’ unrest?
There are shortcomings in the agriculture sector which needs to be plugged. The centre has already extended the loan waiver deadline. The state is also working on a separate package (Rs4,500 crore) to cover up farmers deprived of loans.
