Team Herald
MARGAO: Dejected. But determined. Farmers in Borim are willing to risk all – their hard-earned savings and their future to fight for their land and prevent khazan lands from falling to the axe of acquisition.
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Even as they – petitioners in the matter before the NGT – are disappointed that there was no stay on the ongoing land acquisition proceedings, the villagers of Loutulim and Borim said they “will succeed in thwarting the criminal attempt to acquire their lands in gross violation of laws”.
“It is most unfortunate and inexplicable that a stay was not granted, despite admitted contempt of orders of the Supreme Court. People’s power will triumph, and, despite delays, the inevitable victory is assured,” said Abhijit Prabhudesai, founder of the Federation of Rainbow Warriors, which has been guiding the farmer groups.
Farmers from Loutolim and Borim, who are joint petitioners, had sought a stay via an Interlocutory Application (IA) on the government’s report prepared under Section 3D(1) of the National Highways Act, 1956 for the Borim bridge, citing the project’s potential environmental risks. This was in addition to the petitioner’s main plea against the project for lacking various requisite clearances.
The petitioners have also highlighted that repairs to the existing two-lane Borim Bridge on National Highway 566 had already been approved, questioning the necessity of constructing a new bridge without first addressing environmental concerns.
However, the State’s counsel requested additional time to file objections, claiming he had not received the interim application. This was contested by the petitioners’ counsel, who maintained that the documents had already been served. The tribunal ordered that the application be re-sent via email within two days and allowed the respondents two weeks to file their objections.
“We hope that the government does not go aggressive on the land acquisition process. We would have been more relaxed (during this festive season) if the stay was granted. However, the matter is still to be decided by the bench and we are fully optimistic that justice will be done and our khazans lands will be saved,” said Albert Pinheiro, President of the Carbot, Mascasana & Bebdo Tenants Association in Loutolim.
He however criticised the government for constantly seeking additional time in submitting its replies, which has delayed the case.
