Tamil Nadu farmers affected by the pipeline project implemented by Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) have hailed the stand of Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa asking GAIL to take the pipeline along the highways instead of through agricultural lands.
Speaking to Business Line from Chennai, Vazhukkuparai Balu alias V.T. Balasubramaniam, Coimbatore District President of the Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangham, said the Chief Minister had taken a “just decision’’ which was welcome.
He said the executive committee of the Tamilaga Vivasayigal Livelihood Protection Committee (Tamilaga Vivasayigal Vazhvathaara Paathukappu Kuzhu) would meet in Coimbatore tomorrow to decide on the future course of action.
The Chief Minister today came out in support of the farmers who are opposed to laying of the gas pipeline through agricultural lands in seven western districts in Tamil Nadu and instead wanted GAIL to lay the pipeline along the highways.
GAIL had taken steps for getting right of use over nearly 1,500 acres by paying compensation that was a mere 10 per cent of the market value of the land.