Team Herald
VALPOI: Illegal off-road racing has destroyed a large area of agricultural land in Morle, Sattari in the last three days. Farmers claim they have sustained losses of more than Rs 50,000.
As per information, the races were organised in the last three days without consulting farmers and obtaining permission from the authorities.
“The farmers were supposed to plant vegetables in a couple of days. The land was made ready for the same, but due to such illegal activities, it is totally destroyed and needs to be prepared again. A lot of energy and money is required for that,” said farmer Sudhakar Gawas.
A water pipeline and valve were also badly damaged during the races. Agitated farmers have demanded that the government take action against the organisers.
Many Morle residents were rehabilitated from Anjunem, Sattari. They were given barren land, which they converted into agricultural land after a lot of effort. Banana, cashew, coconut and sugarcane plants are grown in the village with the help of water supplied from a dam. Unfortunately, these plants have been destroyed by off-road racing.
