In a strong move to safeguard traditional village lands, the Curtorim comunidade has voiced firm opposition to the government’s recent proposal to legalise structures built illegally on comunidade land.
The comunidade has formally submitted an application to preserve and protect these lands, which form an essential part of Goa’s heritage and community life.
Milagres Nobel Menezes, attorney of the Curtorim comunidade, addressed the media and condemned the proposal, warning that such a move could encourage further encroachments and cause irreversible damage to comunidade properties.
“Curtorim has a vast area of comunidade land which has been preserved and protected for generations. However, in recent years, several illegal structures have come up on these lands and we are currently pursuing legal action against these violations in the courts,” Menezes stated.
He stressed that the government’s attempt to legalise such encroachments not only undermines the rule of law but also threatens the cultural and ecological integrity of Goan villages.
Menezes urged all Goans to unite in opposition to the proposal and stand for the preservation of comunidade lands across the State.
He also called upon Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco to take a firm stand in the ongoing Legislative Assembly session and publicly oppose the move. “It is the duty of our elected representatives to protect the interests of the local communities, and we hope our MLA will act accordingly,” Menezes added.
The Curtorim comunidade’s resistance is part of a broader movement among several comunidades in Goa that are rallying to safeguard their ancestral lands against unchecked urbanisation and encroachment.