MARGAO: The farmers from Loutolim are on high alert as the officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and consultants are expected to visit the village, under police protection, on Thursday, to commence the demarcation of the land that will be acquired for the construction of the high-level new Borim Bridge and the bypass road.
The locals have planned to gather at the site on Thursday morning before the demarcation process begins.
On Wednesday, sources said that a few villagers and two panchas were summoned to the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and were told that police personnel will be present to maintain law and order during the PWD’s inspection on Thursday morning.
The police also warned the villagers not to create any untoward incident. They were also being informed that the Mamlatdar and possibly the Deputy Collector would also be present during the inspection.
Farmers in the village have been vehemently protesting the land acquisition process. Their concerns stem from the belief that this project will devastate their precious fields, including the age-old khazan fields, and jeopardise their livelihood and that of the local fishermen too.
The opposition to the land acquisition process is not limited to Loutolim alone; farmer groups in neighbouring Borim have also voiced their dissent against the proposed plans.
Ever since the PWD issued a notice to the Loutolim panchayat earlier this month, informing them about the impending inspection, the farmers have reignited their protests. While the panchayat had responded to the PWD with a list of conditions to be met before the demarcation process could commence, they have yet to receive a reply, and the date for the inspection has been repeatedly postponed.
The farmers, who have been protesting since last year, have already submitted their objections to the land acquisition process to the PWD office in Panjim.
Recently, they held a media briefing at the site, reiterating their opposition and criticising the government and cabinet ministers for ignoring their pleas. Senior citizens, some over 90 years old, braved the hot sun to convey their stance and express their concerns about the potential suffering they may endure if their land is acquired for the bridge and bypass construction.
“However, our objections and appeals against the land acquisition process are still pending. Our farmers will be there to show our solidarity. We have decided to once again plead with the authorities not to start the demarcation process because at the moment, tilling work is in progress in our fields,” said Albert Pinheiro, Chairman of the Loutolim Tenants Association.
Pinheiro added, “It is also mentioned that valuation of trees as per the Forest Act and valuation of houses is to be done, but as per the proposed acquisition, no fields are shown as existing in the khazan areas. There are many other discrepancies between what they are showing and the actual reality on the ground. So, their valuation is flawed and not applicable.”
Despite the impending inspection, the farmers remain resolute in their opposition, determined to safeguard their livelihoods and preserve the agricultural heritage of their land.
The situation remains tense, as the authorities prepare to carry out the demarcation survey amidst ongoing protests and objections from the local farming community and villagers.