MARGAO: Already angered with the Public Works Department’s (PWD) decision to go ahead with land acquisition for the proposed new Borim Bridge and bypass road, the farmers of Loutolim were infuriated as the PWD abruptly skipped the land demarcation process, which was to be held on Monday.
The locals, along with Village Panchayat of Lotoulim, were frustrated over PWD’s approach of first informing in writing regarding the land demarcation process and then changing the programme abruptly, without intimating the panchayat.
On Monday, the Village Panchayat of Loutolim, took proactive steps to address the concerns surrounding the proposed land acquisition for the new Borim Bridge project. They submitted a memorandum to the PWD office in Ponda, seeking a detailed schedule, contact information, and a comprehensive plan for the project.
“Even in the earlier letter to the panchayat, the timing was not mentioned. When the bridge alignment was being done, neither the farmers nor the panchayat were informed. As of now, nothing is clear,” said Albert Pinheiro, Chairman of Loutolim Tenants Association.
He further emphasised that farmers are apprehensive that the demarcation process is also being attempted without taking the panchayat or the farmers into confidence.
“We are concerned and worried because these fields are our survival and now ploughing has to be done to prepare for the sowing process during monsoon. We clean our fields before ploughing and sowing,” said Pinheiro.
In a letter to the PWD by Loutolim’s acting sarpanch, Celina A Branganza conveyed the concerns of the local residents regarding the proposal for the commencement of the demarcation process.
Branganza emphasised that this proposal has raised numerous questions among the community members, highlighting the need for clarity and transparency from the authorities.
Accordingly, the panchayat requested the PWD to provide the necessary details and information before proceeding with the demarcation process.
The details sought include schedule for the survey, demarcation, valuation and other activities, contact information of the consultant and the heads of the respective departments involved, any specific requirement or actions that the village panchayat needs to fulfil.
The Panchayat has also asked for survey numbers of CRZ areas, especially the vast stretch of Khazan lands that are being considered for acquisition, besides plans of PWD pertaining to carry out any demarcation, placement of stones or other interference with the highly sensitive Khazan lands. According to sources, PWD may carry out a site inspection on Wednesday, May 15.
