LOUTOLIM: The Public Works Department (PWD) officials on Wednesday inspected khazan fields in Loutolim which have been damaged due to the dumping of debris from the missing link road construction.
The inspection comes after the Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai placed a copy of the O Heraldo’s ‘Review’ report on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s Assembly session on the ongoing issue. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who is also the PWD Minister, had assured to look into this issue.
The farmers of Loutolim, for a long time, have been complaining about this issue. Having written to the PWD in the past, they have questioned why the debris has not been cleared from their fields even though the missing link road construction was completed years ago.
The farmers and the Fatorda MLA have used this issue to illustrate the potential damage that could occur to other portions of the khazan fields, particularly those set to be acquired for the construction of the new Borim Bridge.
In response to letters addressed to the Project Manager MVR and PWD Principal Chief Engineer (PCE), engineers from Division XIV Fatorda visited the site at the khazan fields under the custody of the Tenants’ Association of Carbot Cantor Loutolim. The inspection team comprised the contractor and the PWD’s Assistant and Junior Engineers.
Members of the Loutolim Tenants’ Association, including president Albert Pinheiro, secretary Valarianio Fernandes, attorney Pascoal Costa and treasurer Reginaldo Rodrigues, were also present at the inspection.
The officers inspected one section of the affected fields and concluded that while metal drums and other loose material could be removed, the red soil debris and stones cannot be extracted as they have become stable over time. They also observed a crater filled with stagnant water in the area. Later, the team proceeded to inspect another section of the affected fields and after examination they informed that the debris soil there also cannot be removed as it has mixed with ‘chikol’ (clay).
The farmers’ initial optimism about desilting the debris and reclaiming the fields for cultivation was dashed following the inspection.
Albert Pinheiro, chairman of the Loutolim Tenants’ Association, said, “After the visit by the technical staff of MVR and the PWD engineers, the little hope left, is over.”
Despite the disappointing outcome of the inspection, Pinheiro remains hopeful for a resolution. He said, “We’re still very hopeful that our Chief Minister will meet the farmers and resolve the issue.”
