SALIGAO: The farming community of Saligao are up in arms to protect their fields which they consider to be a very sacred land and are furious over the illegal structures that have mushroomed in the comunidade fields of Saligao. Over the last couple of months, roads have been built through the fields and houses in the fields have been given NOC for water and electricity. The farmers opine that if the comunidade is really serious about protecting their land they should approach NGT and HC in this matter.
A farmer from Saligao and member of Save Saligao group, Ramesh Ghadi told Herald that no one will be able to stop them from saving the fields of the village. He also highlighted that their forefathers were not educated but had wisdom to protect these fields.
“Our fields and hills are being raped by the land sharks. Our elected representatives are the dacoits who have looted the village hills and are now systematically moving into our fields. We have come out to save our land for the next generation. We will stop them and never allow them to enter our fields in muddavaddo. Farming land is sacred for us and we touch the ground before entering the field. We do not even use slippers or sandals in the fields. Today these illegal structures are definitely discharging their sewage into these fields,” said Ghadi who was sentimental over this destruction.
Another farmer on condition of anonymity pointed out that on Wednesday at the meeting held at the Saligao comunidade; the stakeholders of the village opined that the only solution to this entire issue was to regularize the illegal structures in the fields that are six months and older.
“This is ridiculous! Which law allows anyone, be it the comunidade or the panchayat to regularize any structure built in comunidade fields. Since the corruption by the elected representatives has gone viral on social media, all of them are acting innocent. The people of Saligao are not blind anymore. We can distinguish between good and evil. These people will not be forgiven for this crime and will pay for it,” added another farmer.
The Save Saligao group reveals that they will seek legal help in the matter and also the intervention of NGO’s from across the state.
