Team Herald
MARGAO: As the cultivation continues in the shadow of uncertainty, the farmers of Loutolim and Borim find themselves at a crossroads.
On Monday, when the farmers stepped into their khazan fields to carry out harvesting, they wondered if days like these will be limited in view of the proposed construction of the new high-level Borim Bridge, which is set to come through their vast fields.
With the National Green Tribunal (NGT) hearing their plea on Tuesday, they are a nervous lot, hoping that they can find some relief with the green tribunal, after the State and Central government have made it clear that the bridge construction as per the selected alignment is going ahead.
It may be recalled that the Union Ministry of Highway issued the final notification for land acquisition, signalling a significant step towards the project’s realisation.
While Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira has attempted to assuage concerns by stating that the size of land being acquired has been reduced compared to the original plan and that due compensation will be provided, the farmers remain unconvinced and unwilling to concede defeat.
Their resistance stems from a deep-rooted fear that even acquiring a small portion of the khazan fields could have far-reaching consequences for the entire ecosystem. The farmers point to the cautionary tale of the missing link road where the construction debris still renders sections of once-fertile land uncultivable which has affected their livelihood.
The issue extends beyond the farmers to encompass the local fishing community, whose pisciculture-based livelihood is equally at risk. This broader impact has united the farmers from Loutolim and Borim in their petition before the NGT, highlighting the interconnected nature of rural economies and ecosystems.
Albert Pinheiro, president of the Carbot, Mascasana & Bebdo Tenants Association in Loutolim, expresses a cautious optimism tinged with skepticism.
“We’re living in full hope but are a bit skeptical due to the latest developments. We have full faith in the judiciary, especially the NGT, because they have made some landmark judgments in the past,” Pinheiro said.
The farmers’ legal strategy, supported by the Federation of Rainbow Warriors, demonstrates their determination to exhaust all available avenues in their fight to preserve their land and livelihood. Should the NGT ruling not favour their cause, they stand ready to escalate their case to the High Court.