PANJIM: In a major relief to the villagers of Parra, Verla and Canca, the District Magistrate (DM) has directed the Electricity Department to stall the work of installation of 33KVA line through the agricultural fields.
The villagers had been opposing the project for a year now arguing that there already exists a 33KVA line from Mapusa to Arpora. However, the department was keen to install a parallel line to supply additional load to Calangute.
Details shared by green activist Claude Alvares reveals that in Calangute, the panchayat had taken a decision to not allow any further approvals for constructions till the power situation improved.
“The farmers were already upset with the trouble caused to them and their agricultural activity by the existing line. They were, therefore, opposed to another line. Besides, the lines, poles and stays need huge area and became an obstacle to farming. Tractors and harvesters cannot work in these fields,” he said.
The Parra villagers also filed a petition before the High Court of Bombay at Goa, which referred the case to the Collector and District Magistrate for resolution. Thereafter, the villagers of Verla and Canca moved the DM complaining that the line had been erected over their fields, damaging them, without their knowledge or consent.
After hearing the matter over several weeks, an order was passed on October 7 asking the Electricity Department to halt its work, and commence the process of identifying the land owners as well as seek their consent. If the land owners object to the line, the Electricity Department would be free to approach the DM.
“As of now, the farmers of Verla Canca have finally got temporary relief,” Alvares commented.
