MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati Slams Government Over Land Allotment To MNCs

Shiv MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati has raised a strong voice against the Rajasthan government regarding the allotment of land to multinational companies for renewable energy projects in Western Rajasthan. Addressing the media in Barmer, Bhati expressed deep concern over the land allotment for solar projects and high-tension power lines. He stated that ignoring the problems and rights of farmers in the name of development and nation-building isn't justifiable. The MLA targeted the government for what he described as a surrender to multinational corporations while neglecting the local populace.

Concerns Over Solar Projects and High-Tension Lines

During his interaction with the media on Wednesday, MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati highlighted that solar energy projects and high-tension lines are currently passing through the middle of almost every farmer's field. He alleged that when farmers protest against these installations, instead of listening to their grievances, administrative pressure is exerted upon them. Bhati pointed out that while these companies are earning significant revenue and profits from these projects, the farmers are left to suffer. He expressed sadness over the fact that when farmers try to speak about their rights, the administration turns a blind eye and is unwilling to listen to their pain.

Political Warning and Land Rights

5 years. He emphasized that these multinational companies won't be the ones voting to make them win. Bhati stated that if leaders don't speak up for the farmers today despite the mistreatment they're facing, the farmers will remember this neglect. He further criticized the government for allotting Oran and Gocher (grazing) lands to companies, while many landless families have been demanding land for residential purposes for a long time without success.

Questioning the Government's Compulsion

Bhati questioned the government's motives, asking what compulsion leads them to surrender to multinational companies and provide them land instead of addressing the needs of the local landless people. He announced that this issue would be raised in the Legislative Assembly. On top of that, he warned that if necessary, a public awareness campaign and a movement would be launched across various villages. While he welcomed the government's decision to bring in the Tree Protection Act, he expressed caution regarding reports that exemptions for cutting trees might be granted under special circumstances.

The Tree Protection Act and Khejri Census

The MLA remarked that the provision for exemptions in special circumstances could act as a loophole, potentially leading to the continued cutting of trees, while he mentioned that he had previously introduced a Private Member Bill in the House and suggested that the government could adopt and implement it under its own name, as the demand for such a law has been long-standing across all sections of society. Bhati stressed the need for the bill to be implemented correctly with a clear policy. Also, he demanded that a census of Khejri trees be conducted on the same lines as the census for houses and individuals. Dedicating the bill to Maa Amrita Devi, he requested that the legislation be named the Maa Amrita Devi Tree Protection Act.