Team Herald
MARGAO: Despite protests and fierce resistance from Loutolim villagers to the acquisition of their agricultural and khazan lands, slated for the construction of a new Borim bridge, Minister for Water Resources Subhash Shirodkar has announced that the land acquisition process will be completed by October 20.
The proposed bridge project has sparked significant local opposition, with residents expressing concerns over the loss of vital land resources.
Speaking to mediapersons in Margao, Shirodkar confirmed that the land acquisition process is in its final stage and will be concluded soon.
He indicated that once the acquisition is completed, the next step will be the commencement of the bridge design phase. This announcement comes amid ongoing protests from Loutolim villagers, who are concerned about the impact on their agricultural and khazan lands.
It is pertinent to note that hundreds of villagers from Loutolim, including many farmers, have strongly protested the acquisition of their agricultural and khazan land for the proposed bridge.
They have vowed to protect their land from destruction, emphasising the critical importance of these areas for their livelihood and local environment.
The protests highlight the deep-seated concerns about the impact of the new bridge on their traditional way of life. As the land acquisition process moves forward, the farmers remain resolute in their efforts to safeguard their land. However, Shirodkar has expressed confidence that the land acquisition for the proposed Borim bridge will be completed by October 20, a statement that has shocked many of the protesters in Loutolim
“The land acquisition process is ongoing and at its final stage,” the Minister said.
“The government is making efforts to acquire the minimum amount of agricultural and khazan land necessary for the project. In fact, much of the land slated for acquisition is abandoned,” he claimed.
He further assured that appropriate compensation would be provided to those who lose their land. On the issue of PRAWAH, he emphasised that it will act with due diligence.
“Prawah is responsible for addressing interstate water disputes, and we need to review the process they follow before making any statements,” he explained. “The Goa government has already presented the State’s position in court, and it is important to respect the ongoing legal process.”, he added.