South Goa Member of Parliament Captain Viriato Fernandes convened with numerous villagers impacted from Bellem Velsao on Thursday evening. This meeting was organized by Cortalim TMC leader Mariano Rodrigues, social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, and other esteemed individuals. The discussion focused on escalating concerns regarding a private construction firm that is reportedly enclosing land at Zuaringar, which is believed to be obstructing traditional access routes for villagers, including paths leading to a crematorium and a site marked by a holy cross. Captain Fernandes voiced his strong disapproval of the current land acquisitions, attributing them to significant alterations in zoning regulations that have occurred since 2018.
This situation is not unprecedented; we have witnessed the manipulation of ODPs and Regional Plans, which have transformed NDZs into areas designated for settlement, thereby jeopardizing Goa’s agricultural lands, orchards, and hills. It is imperative that we remain united in this struggle. This issue transcends political affiliations—my role here is as a Member of Parliament for South Goa. If we fail to take action now, we will be held accountable by future generations, Fernandes asserted.
He further criticized the actions of a private developer who has begun issuing 'passes' to locals for access to their own land. "This is a disgraceful affront to the people of Goa. Outsiders are now dictating that we require permission to enter our own villages. Some individuals from Goa have compromised their integrity for these developers, and it is time to free Goa from this exploitation. Our resistance will commence in Velsao," he remarked. Fernandes also raised concerns regarding the sale of Communidade land to private entities without prior consultation with the local community.
A substantial tract of land was initially allocated to Gwalior Birla for industrial use, subsequently rebranded as Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd, and is now under the ownership of Paradeep Phosphates. The former members of the Sancoale Communidade intentionally neglected to defend their position in court, facilitating this transition. Currently, the newly formed committee led by Jayesh Fadte is reinitiating efforts to contest this situation, as he elaborated. He cautioned that unregulated land transactions could result in significant repercussions for local infrastructure, particularly concerning water and electricity supply, while also impeding free movement within the villages. TMC leader Mariano Rodrigues emphasized that the fencing has obstructed access to a crematorium in the village.
Our Hindu community has been forced to seek alternative crematoriums six times recently due to their own being fenced off. This situation is unacceptable, and we urge the government to act swiftly. We refuse to let builders from Delhi and Bangalore impose their will on our village, Rodrigues stated. He highlighted that this struggle transcends politics, as leaders from various parties have united against the builder lobby. "Captain Viriato Fernandes represents Congress, I am with TMC, and Roquezinho D’Souza is aligned with Independent MLA Anton Vas. Despite our different affiliations, we stand together for this cause. This isn't just a political matter; it's about safeguarding our land and our rights," Rodrigues emphasized.
The villagers, supported by their local leaders, are determined to persist in their battle against what they call "land grabs by outside developers." They are calling on the government to take swift action to reclaim their traditional lands.