No chemical hub at Nayachar or Nandigram

“My government will not allow a chemical hub either at Nayachar Island or Nandigram. We are planning to promote environment-friendly eco-tourism by setting up a Nayachar Fisheries Village, and eco-friendly industry in Nandigram to encourage development without pollution,” the Chief Minister told a rally there.

She also criticised Congress’s state president Adhir Chowdhury who had Sunday accused her of having “forgotten the promises she made to the people of Nandigram”.

“I have not forgotten Nandigram. I have led many movements and the Singur-Nandigram movement remained one of my most memorable ones. I cannot forget how the women of Nandigram shielded me from bullets, risking their own lives.”

She said the “atrocities” carried out in Nandigram were a “dark chapter” in the history of Bengal and her government would never allow them to repeat. “I am happy to be back in Nandigram. Stay safe, stay healthy,” she told the gathering.

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited Nayachar with several company heads to explore the place as a possible eco-tourism destination. Mamata urged industrialists to submit their proposals or opinions within four days on how the island could be developed.

Mamata also claimed her government would return to power next year. “We have done a lot for the people of Nandigram and next year, when we return, we will do more work for you,” she said and then interacted with members of the audience to get their response.
The Chief Minister is expected to attend an administrative meeting in Digha Tuesday and launch the helicopter service from Digha to Kolkata.

Mamata assured people of getting a Martyr’s Memorial constructed and a Cultural Convention Centre in Nandigram.

Ensuring food for all, Banerjee said from January 27, 2016, seven crore people in Bengal would get rice at Rs 2 per kg and another 70 lakh citizens of Bengal would get food grain at half the market price.

Stating that 100 per cent coverage has been achieved for mid-day meal and rural electrification in East Midnapore, Mamata said 30 lakh girls have already been registered under Kanyashree scheme.

“We have approved Ghatal Master Plan for flood prevention in the entire area,” she said, and claimed that Rs 10 crore has been allocated for a new higher secondary school in Nandigram.

“Our government is for the poor and downtrodden. In spite of our financial constraints we have done a lot for Bengal. The amount of work we have done in the last four years is unmatched,” the CM said and regretted that the state was yet to achieve financial freedom. “We increased our revenues but the Centre takes away a major share through the taxes,” she added.

Mamata either inaugurated or laid the foundation stone for several projects in East Midnapore district on the occasion, besides giving away financial and other benefits to people. Students got bicycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme.

(WITH PTI INPUTS)