MARGAO: On Tuesday, residents and parishioners of Raia and Borda villages disrupted the demarcation exercise conducted by the Margao Municipal Council concerning the proposed kabrastan at Sonsoddo. The primary contention revolves around ongoing disputes related to the boundary points in the area.
While expressing their concerns, villagers emphasised that they are not opposed to the proposed kabrastan but are apprehensive about the impact on church property. The issue of the proposed kabrastan at Sonsoddo has been a subject of discussion for several years, raising questions about the land in question. Both Raia and Borda villagers claim that the civic body has not yet clarified the confusion surrounding the boundary points.
On Tuesday, officials from Raia church and Borda chapel were summoned to the site by the Margao Municipality for the demarcation exercise. However, villagers objected and halted the process, demanding clarity on the boundary points.
William Barretto, Attorney of Our Lady of Snow Church Fabrica, spoke to reporters, expressing the need for a re-survey of the property. “We want to demarcate the village and church boundary over here, which is the same boundary. And hence we want a re-survey of the area,” he stated. Barretto emphasised that they will not permit the demarcation until there is clarity on the boundaries.
Peter Quadros, Sarpanch of the Raia panchayat, echoed the sentiment, citing numerous confusions on the boundaries and advocating for a re-survey from the village’s side.
Simultaneously, Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco addressed a letter to the Chief Minister, urging complete clarification on the boundary points of the proposed kabrastan at Sonsoddo. “There are worries among the Fabrica of Raia Church and St Joaquim Chapel, Borda, over the boundary points. People have claimed that the survey department has not shown them boundary points. Concerned officials need to furnish the complete details of the boundary points of the kabrastan land at Sonsoddo,” he stated.