Many of them had hoped that despite Tata Sons’ chairman Ratan Tata’s announcement to shift the project, the company might change its decision. But with the joint announcement made by Tata and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi about relocating the project to Gujarat, all hopes have been dashed. Those who thought of earning a livelihood from the project seem demoralised.

“I was hopeful that I would support my family with the job provided by the Tatas. But now I do not know what to do,” said Asim Ruidas, a youth of Beraberi Madhyapara. He had taken an apprenticeship course organised by the West Bengal Industrial Development Board and the Tatas.

His brother Akul said: “We had hoped the Tatas might come back later and resume the project. But now, since the factory is being shifted to Gujarat, all hopes are lost.”

Manas Khatua, who runs a small tea stall at the main gate of the factory premises, is also clueless. “I had invested my entire savings in setting up this shop. I thought that the stall would do well and I would later expand it. My main customers were Tata employees. I have lost my clients,” he said.

The unwilling farmers are also demoralised. Many admitted that this was not what they wanted.

“We had hoped that if we got our land back, we would either resume farming or sell it off at a good price,” said a farmer.

The local CPM has not lost all hopes though. Dibakar Das, a local CPM leader, said: “We know that the Nano project has been shifted. But Tatas never said they would not build any industry here. We will request the government to persuade the Tatas to set up some other industry here.”

Residents are, however, not so optimistic. Sheikh Jiarul, a resident of Joymollah village who willingly gave his land for the project, said: “ Some people are saying that the Tatas might set up something else here. But I think that the Tatas have gone forever, at least as far as Singur is concerned.”

The local youths, who supplied building materials and other minor items to the factory and the ancillary units, carried out a procession in Singur market on Tuesday. They sat on a dharna outside the Tata factory’s gate and decided to approach the Governor and the Prime Minister to intervene in the Singur issue. “We want the Tatas to come back. We will appeal to them,” said Raju Mal, a youth.