Team Herald
PERNEM: With Ugvem locals on one hand fighting a legal battle to curb the illegal sand extraction, on the other the farmers are forced to run from pillar to post to seek compensation for the losses they incurred nearly a year ago.
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It is pertinent to note that almost a year ago the farmers suffered losses due to Cyclone Tauktae. However, they are yet to receive the compensation promised by State government and the company.
The farmers claimed that negligence on the part of the company which has taken up the work of Mopa Greenfield airport the villagers residing on the plateau are forced to lead a life full of risks.
They further claimed that during rains as the contractor engaged by the company released the water the rubble and mud got washed down into Ugvem and surrounding areas. Mud along with the trees and rubble which got washed away caused severe destruction to the plantations, fields and natural water sources.
Farmers said all they received were false assurances from the company and the state government that their land will be restored back to original state and that they would be compensated for the losses however till date nothing has materialised.
“The company officials and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited Ugvem and inspected the site and assured to compensate us for the losses and restore the land. However till date nothing has happened. We have been visiting the offices asking for compensation but in vain. We want them to compensate us for the losses incurred and to also restore our land”, a farmer demanded.
“The mud and stones got washed into our fields. The stones have been removed but I won’t be able to cultivate the land for at least the next two years. We fear that this incident may occur this year too as the company appears to be least bothered about us”, Uday Mahale, a farmer said.
Eknath Mahale, another farmer said, “My son lost his job because I am demanding compensation by going against the company. If this is how the company works, what else can we expect? Due to the high water pressure, the land which passes through the forest has developed a massive crack. We had requested the company to restore it but it failed to do so”, Mahale added.
“The cashew plantation and agriculture activities are the only source of living for farmers here but if government continues to ignore them, then how they are going to survive. As eyewash, some mud and stones were cleared but that has not worked where it was actually required. What is the use of such projects where livelihood of the poor farmers is at stake? Farmers and locals are not taken into confidence. Destruction is taking place and if people raise their voice, they are pressurised. Government and the company should take necessary steps so that such incidents don’t occur again and ensure that the farmers are compensated”, Mahale added.
