Gregory Patrao agrees to give up his ancestral property

Gregory Patrao agrees to give up his ancestral property

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 31, 2011: Reportedly, Gregory Patrao, a Kalavaru-based farmer, who had become a household name for his struggle against MRPL’s land acquisition activities, has agreed to give up his 14.27 acres of land to the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB). 

Mr. Patrao had hoped that the chief minister would help him; but he has been specifically informed that he cannot keep his land as it is located right in the middle of MRPL’s first phase expansion project. Even the courts have not ruled against land acquisition; however, the courts have ruled that he should be given compensations according to the rates in 2006, and not 1996. Mr. Patrao finally agreed to leave the land after taking into consideration the various pros and cons. 

Mr. Patrao has not yet decided about withdrawing cases he had lodged against the KIADB, the government, and the officials. He has been invited for a discussion regarding his demand for an alternative agricultural land instead of monetary compensation. MRPL has also agreed to provide employment to a member of his family and has permitted him to harvest his standing crops before leaving. 

The district administration demolished Mr. Patrao’s ancestral house after a prolonged battle on April 28. Protesting against the demolition, Mr. Patrao had undertaken a hunger strike last June, which he had withdrawn only after the chief minister promised to intervene in the issue. The chief minister had even ordered M. V. Jayanthi, the divisional commissioner of Mysore, to conduct an inspection of the spot and submit a report. Ms. Jayanthi had reported that Mr. Patrao will have to give up his land for MRPL’s expansion project.