Team Herald
MARGAO: In view of the approaching deadline for the government to complete the land acquisition proceedings for the proposed new high-level Borim bridge and other related developments, the Loutolim farmers have formed a special core committee that will be dedicated to chalking out their strategy from here on to protect their ancestral fields.
This was decided at the general body meeting of the Carbot, Mascasana & Bebdo Tenants Association, Loutolim, which was held on Sunday.
This new core committee plans to meet in two days’ time where the next action plan will be deliberated upon.
Another point of concern that has emerged is the recent representation made by Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to the Chief Minister, calling for urgent replacement of the Borim bridge, meaning the construction of the new bridge.
While the farmers have already approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT), keen attention is being paid to the land acquisition process, which the government wants to complete by October 20.
For the farmers, the khazan fields is not just a matter of livelihood but a generation passed on trade and they have so far maintained that they are not willing to accept compensation as a solution, as the future of their families as well as the entire khazan fields are at stake if they do lose their land.