TEAM HERALD
MAYEM: Farmers of Sanquelim and surrounding areas have demanded a special package on par with the package announced for the mining-affected components. The farmers have urged the government to provide this special package as their fields have been destroyed by mining silt.
Addressing a news conference here, BJP leader Vishwabhar Gawas, Mandal President Vithoba Ghadi, MGP activist Arjun Gawas and Kisan Morcha President Sambha Gawas have vociferously demanded that the State government considers the category of traditional farmers during its submission in SC.
The members informed that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Shripad Naik have assured them that they will consider their case.
Vishwabhar Gawas said fields in Sanquelim, Pale, Velguem, Surla, Sonashi, Amona, Kothambi, Navelim and surrounding areas have been totally destroyed due to mining silt when mining activities were going on at a hectic pace in these areas.
“These farmers were never compensated for the losses they suffered. It is matter of concern that a component of traditional farmers has been refrained from getting the compensation till date, when the mining affected components are getting attractive packages after mining activities were stopped in Goa,” he said.
“Affected farmers should be given a special package along with other mining affected segments,” demanded Gawas.
Arjun Gawas said the State government should draft a unique policy for the safety of farmers, while Sambha Gawas said about 40 per cent crops die due to inadequate water as natural water reservoirs were destroyed by mining activities.
