MARGAO: The declaration of Curtorim as a Biodiversity Heritage Site is encountering opposition from a group of farmers who are seeking more clarity on the issue. Despite the process being in the final stage, a request has been made to the village panchayat of Curtorim and other concerned authorities to address the concerns raised by the farmers.
The matter is scheduled to be discussed at the upcoming gram sabha meeting on December 10.
A recent inspection by authorities identified missing areas in the plan, prompting the decision to proceed with the process of declaring the agrarian village a Biodiversity Heritage site. However, the Sirgem Add and Angdoi Tollem Tenants Association, Curtorim, filed objections before the panchayat and the Goa State Biodiversity Board, demanding further clarification. Peter Dias, Chairman of the tenant association, emphasised the need for proper dissemination of information and clarification from the officials of the Goa State Biodiversity Board. Farmers are expressing confusion and seeking enlightenment on the implications of the Biodiversity Heritage Site for the village and its residents.
Oswald Fernandes, in a letter to the village panchayat Curtorim, requested a discussion on the issue at the gram sabha scheduled for December 12. “It is reported that some additional areas are proposed to be included in the heritage site of Curtorim and hence, it is essential to discuss this,” he said.
Farmers and residents, still confused about additional areas and buffer zones, are urging participation in the preparation and finalisation of the Curtorim Biodiversity Heritage Site. “We have been given to understand that the village panchayat is arbitrarily attempting to hastily finalise the biodiversity heritage site without following the mandatory process of consultation and inviting suggestions from the villagers,” stated a letter signed by over 100 farmers and residents, requesting the panchayat to involve them in the process.
