PANJIM, NOV 16
Farmers from Ponda and Bicholim talukas have objected to the proposed natural gas pipeline by the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL), during a public hearing at the Collectorate Office today.
The project, according to sources, will bar villagers from erecting any structures although the cultivation of crops will be possible. A batch of 50 farmers and householders expressed their resentment in the second meeting with the Deputy Collector of Land Acquisition Anthony D’Souza.
“The pipeline will pass through vast acres of fields and houses, which will cause only damages,” a farmer said. The authorities had issued notices to villagers of Mormugao, Ponda and Bicholim for public hearing, as the pipeline will pass through the three talukas starting from Gokak in Karnataka.
Beginning at Virdi, the underground pipeline will pass through Maulingem, Curchirem, Carapur, Amona, Tivrem, Khandola, Vargao, Adcon, Boma, Kundaim and Madkai before moving to Mormugao’s villages of Sancoale, Pale, Cortalim and Quelossim, sources stated. The end point will be near Zuari Industries.
Speaking to Herald, D’Souza said that the project is not an acquisition. “The land will continue to remain with the owners. GAIL will lay underground pipeline after which the land will be returned back to respective owners,” he said.
The officer, who has been appointed as the competent authority, said he will compile a report to be furnished to the Ministry of Petroleum after hearing the locals. Since, the pipelines would also cross residential areas, the department will suggest its diversion through agricultural land.
It is learnt that two gas stations will be set up one each at Curchirem (Bicholim) and Madkai for which 2,500 sq mtrs each of land would be acquired. “For laying the spur line, authorities have already identified the land and compensation will be paid to owners,” said the source.
