“There is no shortage of minds in the form of architects and planners from Mapusa, so why the need to bring outsiders into the picture? Also, there was no representation from the farmers,” said the Shri Bodgeshwer Shetkari Sangh president Sanjay Barde.
“We have heard ministers say too many times that they will look into the matter and have told us they would handle it, but nothing has happened. So this time, until something concrete is done, we will not back down, and will protest outside the Assembly,” he said.
In response to receiving the letter, Parsekar said he would have to study the situation and get Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza to intervene in the matter.
Farmers reiterated their stand on the ODP saying they were not against development but were looking to conserve green cover in the area. “As per information, the government needs 70 per cent of the area for development and only 30 per cent to the farmers which is not reasonable as we don’t think warehouses, trade terminals, private schools and a Joggers Park is required in the town,” said Barde.
