INDUSTRY LOST, ENVIRONMENT SAVED: A CASE STUDY OF SINGUR

Abstract

Singur Movement (2008-2009) happened to be a milestone in the politics veering round the issue of industrialization and economic prosperity of West Bengal. It stirred the entire country, even its waved reached the shores of outer world. Political parties of various hues except the ones belonging to the ruling group in the state stood out together and vehemently protested against the acquisition of land allegedly by force by the then state government for the sake of setting up Industry by a private company. The movement had its culmination in blockade of the national Highway for 26 days followed by observation of fast by the then principal opposition leader of the state. Ultimately the company that finished more than 80% of its infrastructural set up, announced to opt out and the site remained a deserted palace. Obviously, there was a vacuum in the industrial scenario of the state, the remainder is history, even this episode has occupied the text book of history meant for the school children of West Bengal. The present government in its first cabinet meeting resolved to return the entire land to the owners, irrespective of willing or unwilling farmers, the concrete structures were either dismantled by machines or flattened in order to restore the land back to its former cultivable status. Commemorate the victory of the rights of farmers the head of the state administration spread mustard seeds and a sizeable section of people was elated that Singur was once again land of happy farmers with smiling faces.