Team Herald
SANGUEM: The farmers opposing the proposed IIT project at Cotarli village have reiterated that they would not tolerate the government taking over their agricultural lands, and have urged the local MLA to move the project to a different part of Sanguem.
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With more farmers joining their ranks with each passing day, a large group gathered at Nagvem village on Saturday, and said they would ensure their support and cooperation if the government earmarked a different piece of land, which was not being utilised for cultivation, for the IIT project.
Farmer Lucy Barretto said that the farm land in their possession has been enjoyed by them for generations, since the time of their ancestors. “It is disturbing to see Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai rallying to get the IIT project at the same place where it was rejected earlier,” she said. Barrretto also spoke about the ‘lethargic attitude’ of the government, in resolving the long pending issues of the Selaulim evacuees. “Even after 40 years, the government has failed to settle the land and drinking water issues of the Selaulim evacuees who had parted with their land to pave way for the construction of the Selaulim Dam,” said Barretto.
Another farmer, Pushpabai Chari said the government’s claim that the land chosen for the project was barren, and belonged exclusively to the government was a lie.
A youth activist, Vicky D’Costa recalled that Phaldessai went on record to state that no lands occupied or enjoyed by any person will be utilised for the proposed project.
Pointing to several survey points marked across the area, D’Costa said, “In that case, why have the survey demarcation points been installed in the vicinity of agricultural plantations, a cemetery and the chapel?” The farmers urged Phaldessai not to use police and other government machinery to silence their voices. “We will not tolerate any injustice and
will not allow the government to take over the farmlands at Cotarli village,” they said.
