Team Herald
MARGAO: Farmers in Loutolim have strongly opposed recent statements by Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subash Shirodkar regarding the land acquisition for the new Borim bridge project. The farmers, representing the Carbot, Mascasana & Bebdo Tenants Association, have dismissed the Minister’s claims that the land acquisition process would be completed by October 20 without any significant hurdles, despite the ongoing legal and environmental concerns.
Minister Shirodkar downplayed the farmers’ concerns, particularly focusing on opposition from Loutolim, while stating that only a few Borim farmers were protesting. However, Albert Pinheiro, President of the Carbot, Mascasana & Bebdo Tenants Association, refuted these claims, pointing out that the objections filed by the farmers are still pending with the State Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO). Pinheiro also highlighted that the farmers have filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has been admitted, with the next hearing scheduled for October 22, 2024.
Pinheiro emphasised that the khazan fields in Loutolim are not barren, as suggested by the minister. “All the fields are cultivated, and our harvesting will start next month,” he stated, adding that these lands are vital for the community and not abandoned. He also recalled a previous meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, where the farmers expressed concerns over the potential destruction of adjacent fields, even if a smaller area of land is acquired. “It was stressed that even if the area of Khazan fields to be acquired was reduced, it would cause irreparable damage to the other adjacent fields and in the due process, the remaining area of the Khazan fields, which is about four lakhs, would be destroyed,” he explained
While the Union Minister had mentioned good compensation, the farmers expressed their desire to continue cultivating their ancestral lands rather than accepting any compensation. Pinheiro stressed, “The farmers politely expressed that they do not want any compensation but want their fields to be excluded from the acquisition process.”
Responding to Shirodkar’s claim that only a few individuals from Borim were protesting, Pinheiro revealed that most Borim farmers are signatories to the NGT petition, contradicting theMinister’s statement.
Other farmers from Loutolim described the Minister’s remarks as “disturbing,” noting that he was not part of the delegation that met with Union Minister Gadkari.
Pinheiro concluded by reaffirming the association’s commitment to continuing their fight. “We will continue our battle to save our khazans, and we have full hope that our government will understand and consider our pleas. Rest, we trust in God.”
Land for bridge will have to be acquired
by OctOBER 20: Aleixo Sequeira
MARGAO: Environment Minister and Nuvem MLA Aleixo Sequeira confirmed that the land acquisition for the controversial new Borim bridge is expected to be completed by October 20.
He spoke to reporters on Tuesday about the concerns of local farmers from his constituency and what the government intends to do, as mentioned by Water Resources (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Monday.
“The new Borim bridge is required; the question was about which alignment. For that, I am not an expert, so I asked PWD to study the matter. I have taken the people to the Chief Minister and also to the Union Minister of Roads. They have heard their grievances, and both have directed the officials to conduct an inspection and see how best we can accommodate the demands of the locals,” said Sequeira.
“Now, the land acquisition has also come down from 1.20 lakh to 75,000 sq mtrs. I have also asked officials to see how best we can reduce the land acquisition. We have to complete the acquisition by October 20, and it will be done by then. The villagers have gone to the National Green Tribunal (NGT); let’s see what the verdict is,” Sequeira added.