AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
SANTO ESTEVAM: The Krishi Setu bridge, which was constructed to connect fields from Chune-Kator to Vadso in the village of Cumbarjua, is under scrutiny after revelations that the fields it was supposed to serve have remained fallow for years. An O Heraldo investigation points to Pandurang Madkaikar, former Minister for Power and Social Welfare,as a key figure behind the project – that has failed to benefit the farming community – being initiated.
The fact that the bridge has not helped anyone became clear when Rouchelle Fernandes, Zonal Agricultural Officer (ZAO), Tiswadi, confirmed the fields have not been sown for long after a visit to the area. “I visited the fields across the bridge and it’s clear that the fields have not been sown for quite a while. Wild weed has grown all over,” confirmed Fernandes, casting a doubt that the bridge was set up for farmers.
A letter from the General Manager Civil of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), dated January 30, 2020, the Under Secretary Finance (Budget II) references a proposal from the then Minister Madkaikar with regard to the construction of the bridge. The letter stated that the bridge would facilitate farmers in crossing a river stream for the cultivation of fields from Chune-Kator to Vadso in Cumbarjua.
However, investigations have revealed that Madkaikar’s involvement dates back to June 1, 2018, when he wrote to the Chairman of GSIDC, urging the construction of the bridge. The letter mentioned a unanimous resolution by the Village Panchayat of Cumbarjua to approve the project. “Please find enclosed a copy of resolution No. 5 (9) dated 21/05/2018 of the VP Cumbarjua adopted unanimously that to undertake the work of construction of Bridge from Chune-Kator to Vadso Field in Village Panchayat of Cumbarjua… Chairman GSIDC may kindly consider the above request and give the necessary instructions to the concerned officials to take up the above work in public interest,” concluded the note.
The request for the bridge, it appears, was made in the public interest, but questions are now arising about whether the bridge truly serves that purpose. Local resident Hari Naik from Cumbarjua believes the true intention behind the bridge is more complex. "If the bridge was for farmers, it would have been built when the fields were being sowed, not after they stopped. It’s clear that the word of farmers has been used to mislead the public," he said.
Despite the letter from Madkaikar in 2018, the Captain of Ports office issued a “temporary NOC for construction of a footbridge” to aid farmers. However, it remains unclear how this temporary NOC was used to construct a full-fledged bridge.
Deputy Sarpanch of Santo Estevam, Socorro Ribeiro, noted that the field connected by the bridge falls in Santo Estevam and has remained uncultivated for years. “I know a farmer from Santo Estevam who stopped cultivating the field long ago, and I’m not sure how many farmers from Cumbarjua are still around,” Ribeiro said.
The land in question, under Survey Numbers 175(2) and 65(6), was acquired from both the Santo Estevam and Cumbarjua sides for the construction of the bridge. The current occupants listed on the land records include Pundlik S P Lawande and Bablu Babu Sawant for Santo Estevam, and Mahadev Parab, Sonu Naik, and Krishna Naik for Cumbarjua.
Residents of Santo Estevam are increasingly skeptical of the bridge’s purpose. Lucas Ribeiro, a local villager, believes the bridge is not for farmers. “The fields haven’t been sown in years. There are adjoining plots near Vanso fields, and the bridge seems to provide access to landowners there,” he said.
Orvile Menezes, another villager, raised further concerns, suggesting that the bridge may be linked to larger development plans. “Survey No 217 is shown as a private forest in the Regional Plan but has now been zoned as commercial through recent TCP amendments. The bridge would provide convenient access to this valuable property,” Menezes alleged.
Menezes also mentioned that there are rumours of a large film city being planned in the area. “If that happens, it will be a sad day for all of us fighting to preserve the identity of our island,” he lamented.
Additionally, Menezes pointed out that a hillock under Survey No. 177, which is designated as a settlement area, requires road access through the fields, further suggesting that the bridge’s construction could be tied to future development plans rather than the needs of farmers.
Former Minister Pandurang Madkaikar, who initiated the project, has not responded to multiple requests for comment.