Team Herald
VASCO: The Directorate of Settlement and Land Records (DSLR) successfully completed the land demarcation process in Mollo-Pale, Velsao, on Saturday amidst heightened tensions, as villagers strongly opposed the ongoing land acquisition for the South Western Railways (SWR) expansion project.
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The demarcation, which concluded within two days, was heavily guarded by police forces. However, locals expressed frustration, accusing the authorities of disregarding their concerns and constitutional rights during the acquisition process.
A group of agitated villagers, led by Goencho Ekvott founder Orville Dourado Rodrigues, confronted officials from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) on Saturday. Heated exchanges ensued as the villagers accused SWR of violating a prior agreement that construction activities would cease after 6 pm. They alleged that the workers disturbed the peace of the villagers by employing heavy earth moving machinery and even conducting piling works beyond midnight. Despite the tensions, the RVNL officials conceded to the demands and agreed to adhere to the previously set working hours.
The situation grew more volatile when the demarcation revealed that some houses in Mollo were marked for demolition to accommodate the new railway track. With at least several houses at risk of partial destruction, at least 6 -8 families are likely to be perpetually displaced if the second track does materialise as their residences will be without bathrooms and kitchens.
Many villagers have voiced their concerns, claiming that the government is prioritising corporate interests over the welfare of its citizens.
The demarcation exercise followed growing complaints about procedural irregularities in the land acquisition process. Allegations surfaced that the government had issued a certificate of possession to SWR in October 2024, without conducting necessary surveys or completing land demarcation. Additionally, there was public outcry when SWR reportedly secured mutation certificates for affected lands in just a single day on November 21.
The contentious land acquisition process, affecting 56 land parcels in Mormugao and additional properties in Salcete, Quepem, and Sanguem, has provoked sharp criticism from locals and activists alike. The villagers of Mollo and Velsao vowed to intensify their resistance against the railway expansion project.
