‘Will agitate if mill land not transferred’

Ramdas Athavale, president, Republican Party of India (A) on Monday threatened another agitation if the Indu Mill land is not transferred for the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar memorial soon, while Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan assured that the process for transfer of land was underway.

Athavale said that the National Textile Corporation (NTC), which owns the mill in Central Mumbai, should not insist on market rates for the land. He said that the government should soon complete the process of granting them TDR or a sum to NTC. "NTC has several such plots. They would be violating the PM's decision if they insist on market rate for the Indu Mill land," Athavale said.

Speaking at a press conference, Athavale said that in December last year, Chavan had committed to pay any amount for the land. He said the government should also be ready to ensure that the memorial is completed. "We set April 14 as deadline to complete formalities so that a foundation function could be held. If the government does not complete the land transfer now, we will launch another agitation," Athavale said.

Meanwhile, Chavan dismissed claims of NTC demanding market value of the land and that there were hurdles in the land transfer process. He said, "The process of transfer of land for the memorial is underway. Two meetings have been held with the department and I have also spoken to the Union Textile Minister. The land transfer process is being completed legally. Since the land belongs to NTC, several aspects like environmental clearance, land reservations, compensation for land in terms of TDR are being decided. Government is committed to build the memorial."

Chavan clarified that the use of TDR permitted through this project will be a standalone case and would not set a precedent.

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