MARGAO: Farmers from Loutolim and Borim, who were hopeful for relief from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), suffered a temporary setback as the matter was adjourned to November 4, 2024.
The matter, which was scheduled on Wednesday, was not heard as one of the Judicial members on the bench was unwell.
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It may be recalled that the two farmer groups had approached the NGT pointing out that the PWD had not got the permissions required such as CRZ, Forest for the construction of the new Borim Bridge, whose alignment passes through the khazan fields. More importantly, the farmers had pointed out that the khazan fields are a no-development zone.
The farmers’ legal team however added that they will be asking for a shorter date and are hopeful that the same can be achieved, given the urgency of the situation. They explained that currently, the temporary bench is sitting, until July 29. Thereafter, the main bench will return.
Abhijit Prabhudessai, of the Rainbow Warriors NGO, who is assisting the farmers, also hit out at contradictions by the government on this issue.
“PWD applied to Goa State Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) in December 2023 asking for CRZ demarcation and identification claiming total ignorance. GCZMA asked them to produce an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report along with detailed drawings. We received these under RTI. The EIA Report submitted to GCZMA says that CRZ areas are not known, so they will be studied later.” Prabhudessai added.
