MARGAO: Farmers from Loutolim village have reached out to members of Opposition parties, seeking their support in objecting to the alignment of the new Borim Bridge, which is set to pass through their khazan fields. They hope their concerns will be raised during the upcoming Assembly session.
Last week, the farmers met with Goa Forward Party (GFP) President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai. This week, a delegation representing the farmers also met with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas and Leader of Opposition, Congress' Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao.
The group is optimistic about their scheduled meeting with Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday evening in Dona Paula. This meeting has been arranged by Environment Minister and Nuvem BJP MLA Aleixo Sequeira, who will be accompanying them. The farmers had previously written to Gadkari after the Loutolim gram sabha meeting last year and are grateful that Congress South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes has already briefed Gadkari about their issue in Delhi.
The farmers, who have made detailed presentations to the Opposition members they have met so far, plan to do the same when they meet Gadkari. They are firm in their stance against parting with any of their khazan fields, emphasising that their livelihoods and those of local fishermen depend on these fields.
The Loutolim farmers, along with those from Borim village, have approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding their grievance against the alignment selected by the PWD. The hearing for this case is scheduled for July 24.