Underlining that acquisition of land was necessary for new industry and infrastructure, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi today said care should be taken to ensure this does not result in loss of fertile, productive tracts.

“New industry and new infrastructure cannot be built without acquiring land. This is obvious. But land acquisition must be done in a manner that does not result in the loss of large tracts of fertile and productive agricultural lands so indispensable to cultivate foodgrains needed to feed our people,” said Gandhi after dedicating to the nation Stage II of the NTPC power project in Dadri in Uttar Pradesh— violent protests by farmers demanding higher compensation for land acquired for a township and an expressway link prompted Chief Minister Mayawati to scrap both projects.

Last month, Rahul Gandhi led a delegation to the Prime Minister, seeking legislation to change the land acquisition Act.

In Dadri, Sonia Gandhi said the Centre and states must take a hard look at laws and policies to facilitate growth while fruitfully compensating those shedding “their land-based livelihood.”

“If farmers are deprived of their land-based livelihood, they must be provided with adequate compensation and alternative occupations. Some states like Haryana have progressive legislation in this regard. Other states would do well to emulate it,” she said.

She said the country should place greater focus on renewable energy while maintaining environmental resources. “We definitely need to generate more power from different sources to meet the growing demands from our farmers, our factories and our people.”

“Economic growth is built on greater electricity production and consumption. At the same time, we must protect the environment to ensure sustainable development. In whatever we do, we must not forget that our lush forests and mountains, majestic rivers and all other water sources, and clean air have sustained and nurtured us for millennia. We have a responsibility to preserve them for the coming generations,” she said.