PANJIM: Shyamsundar Mayekar, a farmer from Cansarvanem in Pernem has threatened the government that he will kill his family and commit suicide, as his only sources of livelihood – cashew and mango plantation – was destroyed overnight.
According to Mayekar, about 15 farmers from Tulaskarwadi in Cansarvanem village have lost their livelihood as nearly 15,000 fruit bearing trees have been cut down in the name of proposed Greenfield International Airport at Mopa, which is located one and half kilometres from the village.
Addressing media persons in Panjim, the farmer grieved as he said that he is left with no other option but to die along with his family. “Fruit bearing trees was the only source of earning for me. It was a livelihood of my family. But all the trees are cut. Without even giving any intimation to us, trees were bulldozed one afternoon”, he informed.
Mayekar, who is member of BJP Pernem booth, urged the government to give him justice or see him and his family dying. “We suspect hand of government and GMR, since we farmers were opposing the Mopa airport”, he alleged.
Another farmer, Jayram Salgaokar, choked with sorrow, said “15,000 cashew and mango trees are cut… where should we go… no one to hear for us… how we should take care of family now… now it is Diwali festival and we have nothing left”.
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has condemned the alleged high handed action by GMR under the patronage of the State Government departments.
AAP leader Sidhart Karapurkar said, “There are other thousands of forest trees which were not touched at all. This is a murder committed against the peaceful community.” He alleged that it was a planned action to displace people from their own land.
He informed that the High Court is hearing a petition filed with regards to cutting of forest trees. “We will now approach the High Court over the injustice meted to the poor farmers,” he stated.
