MARGAO: Authorities have decided to delay the demarcation process for land acquisition related to the proposed new high-level Borim Bridge and bypass road project until order copies are served to those who filed objections. This decision comes amidst significant opposition from farmers and villagers who have been protesting at the site.
A senior government official told O Heraldo that the demarcation and land acquisition proceedings will be paused until the order copies are served to the complainants. The challenge for the authorities is considerable, with the number of complaints regarding objections to the bridge is nearing 1,000.
The controversy began when nearly 100 farmers, along with various tenant associations, filed individual objections upon learning about the proposed bridge through the khazan lands. Additionally, approximately 500 villagers jointly submitted a complaint. Despite claims by the authorities that all objections had been dismissed, no petitioner has received an order copy.
The villagers of Loutolim have demanded that government and PWD officials respect the law and land, and consider their concerns. They have insisted on obtaining all necessary clearances mandated under the CRZ notification, Forest Conservation Act, and Environment Impact Assessment notification before any demarcation proceedings begin. They also emphasised that their objections should ultimately be decided by the highest courts.
"We will now proceed to serve the order copies to those who have filed objections. All objections have already been rejected by the concerned department. The demarcation process will commence only after the order copies are served to the concerned parties," stated the senior officer.
Joaquim Gracias, one of the villagers who filed an objection, stated that he has not received any copy of the judgment related to his objections. "It is the responsibility of the concerned authority to serve the copy of the orders, if passed, to the petitioner. The authorities cannot merely claim orally that the objection filed has been rejected," he stated firmly.
Xavier Fernandes, a former Sarpanch and social activist, echoed this sentiment, claiming that neither the villagers, farmers, nor tenant associations had received any order copies pertaining to the objections filed for land acquisition regarding the proposed high-level Borim Bridge.
In the meantime, villagers and farmers continue to maintain a strict vigil at the site, monitoring for the presence of government officials to prevent the commencement of the demarcation process.