MARGAO: Loutolim village witnessed a shift in leadership as SanFrancisco Fernandes took on the
role of Sarpanch amid tensions over proposed land acquisition for the new Borim Bridge.
The newly elected Sarpanch wasted no time in
declaring unwavering support for the people’s movement against the bridge and bypass project, which threatens khazans and agricultural land.
At the Tuesday meeting, SanFrancisco Fernandes’s leadership was solidified as he was elected unopposed for the post. The nine-member panchayat body has faced turbulent times recently, dealing with contentious issues like the proposed jetty and ongoing battle over the new Borim bridge and bypass project. Farmers and landowners have been opposing the Goa government’s bid to acquire land to build a second high-level bridge over River Zuari, which they believe would lead to the destruction of two lakh square metres of eco-sensitive khazan fields and other areas that fall within the Coastal Regulation Zone.
The villagers maintain that they were not consulted when the Public Works Department drew up possible alignments of the proposed bridge and the approach roads; the villagers are also frustrated with the PWD for failing to answer their questions, and on many occasions, failing to keep their appointments with the people who will be affected by the land acquisition for the new bridge. The latest such incident was reported on Monday, when PWD officials skipped a scheduled demarcation survey in Loutolim, without informing the locals.
Former Sarpanch Joana Fernandes had emerged as a vocal supporter of the villagers, lending her voice and influence to their cause during her tenure of around one year and eight months.
Joana’s decision to step down from her position as Sarpanch paved the way for Fernandes to take over, as decided by the ruling faction in the panchayat.
Speaking to O Heraldo, the newly elected Sarpanch, Fernandes, affirmed his solidarity with the villagers’ ongoing agitation. He emphasised that he and the entire panchayat body stood firmly alongside the villagers in their struggle to protect their heritage.
“We are awaiting a response from the PWD regarding the letter we sent, requesting details of the land acquisition process for the proposed new Borim Bridge and bypass project,” Fernandes stated.
He further added, “Our priorities include resolving the irregular water supply in my ward,” underscoring the significance of basic infrastructure for the community’s well-being.
