Team Herald
MARGAO: Farmers and residents of Navelim have opposed any plan to construct a road through their agricultural fields, particularly in the area near Salpem Lake, where they are actively involved in paddy cultivation.
On Friday the officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD) arrived for an inspection near the Kudchadkar storm water nullah. The locals suspected that the inspection was related to road construction and voiced their objections to the same.
Prof Antonio Alvares, a prominent figure in the community who has filed a PIL in the High Court concerning the contamination of Salpem Lake water, warned the WRD officials that any attempt to construct a road through the agricultural land would be opposed by the farmers, and he would bring the matter to the attention of the High Court if necessary.
The WRD officials, however, clarified that their visit was related to inspecting property that is under the department’s ownership, but this explanation did little to ease the concerns of the farmers and locals.
Speaking to the mediapersons, Alvares emphasised that the farmers of Navelim had revived paddy cultivation in the area after a 30-year hiatus, and were determined to protect their land.
He was alarmed over the rumours that a road project was being pushed through the fields by local politicians, which he said would disrupt the ongoing agricultural activities.
“We will not allow any road construction through our fields,” Alvares warned. “This land is vital for the livelihood of the farmers, and we are committed to preserving it for agricultural use.”
The farmers’ stance is clear: they are unwilling to sacrifice their agricultural land for any infrastructure project. Their resistance comes amid the ongoing efforts to protect the Salpem Lake area, for their farming revival. The community’s firm stand against the proposed road construction reflects broader concerns over development plans that could harm local ecosystems and livelihood.