Backdoor democracy

ALL the 18 villages that will be affected by the proposed airport at Navi Mumbai boycotted the public hearing held on May 5. The government acquired the land for urban development almost 40 years ago, but until the airport project was planned for the site, villagers did not fear losing it all. “Even after so many decades we have not received any compensation. Give us our dues first,” said R C Gharat, president of the association of 18 affected villages.