LOUTOLIM: The farmers of Loutolim have reiterated that they would die to protect their khazan lands. They said they have standing crop and thereafter pissiculture is done there. A government official had gone to Loutolim on Tuesday to meet the farmers and listen to their greivances.

One villager said we have been cultivating the khazans for thousands of years and they have been handed to us by our ancestors. It appears that the official was convinced that the bridge cannot pass this side. He also said that the Centre had sanctioned Rs 20 crore for repairing the old bridge, which will last another 20 years. Therefore a new bridge was not enough.  

A woman showed fish caught by her to the Revenue officials who went there to listen to their grievances. After the cultivation of the paddy crop, farmers indulge in pisciculture. A 99 year old farmer said he had come to save his farm even as he was sick. He said our family and children depend on the money we make by selling the produce.

People said they are ready to die to save their land.

Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira said people had agreed that the bridge is required. He also said that 7 alignments have been explored and everyone passes through wetlands. It has to pass through somebody’s land, he said. He was firm on his stand that the bridge must come.