Team Herald
PERNEM: Farmers and land owners from Tulaskarwadi and Shemecha Advan Mopa, who are also losing their cashew plantation, on Friday protested the government’s move and demanded the ongoing work of a link road be stopped.
The farmers said, “A case on the link road is already in the court and while the case is ongoing, the work of the link road is in full swing.”
“We want the work of the link road to stop immediately. Otherwise, there won’t be any point if the verdict comes in our favour. Tomorrow, the verdict may be in our favour but if the forest and our livelihood is lost then what is the use,” said farmers.
Land losers including men, women and senior citizens participated in the protest and sat in the forest to express their views regarding work of link road.
“The government is doing injustice and harassing us by destroying our livelihood. Because of COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing of the court matter is already being delayed,” said farmers.
The farmers also pointed out that the government is progressing with the work of link road legally by following all the procedures then why the names of the farmers are still highlighting in the Form I & IV.
“The government is not ready to listen to us. When our land was acquired, we were promised that our youth and locals will be given jobs. However, it is still not fulfilled. Our educated youth are working as security guards while the outsiders are working at the higher posts,” the farmers claimed.
“What is the point of approaching the court if the government destroys forest and clear the land for the link road before the verdict? What is the use even if the verdict is on our side, when the government has already started to destroy the forest,” the farmers lamented.