In a saga that has gripped Goa for over a year, the proposed construction of a new high-level Borim bridge has become a flashpoint of controversy, pitting the state government’s development agenda against the determined resistance of local farmers. The dispute, centered on the bridge’s alignment that threatens to cut through vital khazan fields in Loutolim and Borim, has evolved into a complex narrative of environmental concerns, legal challenges, and the preservation of traditional livelihoods.
Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar recently ignited fresh controversy by announcing that the land acquisition process for the new bridge would be completed by October 20, 2024. “Land acquisition for the new Borim bridge is in the final stage. Once the process is complete, the consultant will do the follow-up to take the project to the logical conclusion,” said Shirodkar recently.
This declaration has sent shockwaves through the farming communities of Loutolim and Borim, who view it as a disregard for their ongoing legal battle and environmental concerns. Shirodkar attempted to assuage fears by saying, “Any development work has to take shape from the ground. We understand the sentiments of the people. Hence, we will acquire bare minimum land for the proposed bridge.” He also assured that land losers would be compensated according to prevailing rules.
However, the minister’s comments about opposition to the project have further inflamed tensions. Shirodkar claimed, “There is not much opposition for the bridge from Borim. There may be 4-5 persons opposing the bridge from Borim. Even these people may not own any land. They are opposing the project just for the sake of it.”
Farmers’ Resistance, Ground
& Court Level
The farmers of Loutolim and Borim have not taken these developments lying down. Albert Pinheiro, President of the Carbot, Mascasana & Bebdo Tenants Association, Loutolim has been at the forefront of the resistance. Pinheiro strongly refuted Minister Shirodkar’s claims, pointing out that objections filed by the farmers are still pending with the State Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO).
More significantly, Pinheiro highlighted that the farmers have filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has been admitted and is scheduled for a hearing on October 22, 2024. This legal challenge forms a crucial part of the farmers’ strategy to protect their lands.
Pinheiro emphasised the vital nature of the khazan fields, countering suggestions that the land is barren or unused.
“All the fields are cultivated, and our harvesting will start next month,” he stated, adding that these lands are critical for the community and not abandoned. The farmers argue that even if a smaller portion of land is acquired, it could lead to the destruction of the entire khazan area due to its unique ecological nature.
The association president recalled a previous meeting with Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari, where the farmers expressed their concerns. “It was stressed that even if the area of Khazan fields to be acquired was reduced, it would cause irreparable damage to the other adjacent fields and in the due process, the remaining area of the Khazan fields, which is about four lakhs, would be destroyed,” Pinheiro explained.
Importantly, while the Union Minister had mentioned good compensation, the farmers expressed their desire to continue cultivating their ancestral lands rather than accepting any compensation. Pinheiro stressed, “The farmers politely expressed that they do not want any compensation but want their fields to be excluded from the acquisition process.”
Legal and Environmental
Considerations
The legal aspects of this dispute have added another layer of complexity to the situation. Abhijit Prabhudesai, founder of Rainbow Warriors, an organization guiding the farmers in their NGT petition, provided crucial insights into the legal timeline. Prabhudesai explained that the land acquisition process legally lapses after one year from the first notification. In this case, the deadline falls on October 24, 2024.
“Basically, acquisition lapses after 1 year of first notification. So, in our case, it lapses by 24th October,” Prabhudesai said.
He further elaborated on the government’s procedural steps: “CALA (Land Acquisition Officer) has passed orders in all matters under sec 3C. Now he has to prepare a report under section 3D, forward to govt. Govt then has to issue the final notification under section 3D.”
Prabhudesai expressed hope that the NGT would stay any final notification under section 3D of the land acquisition process, potentially halting the government’s plans. This legal maneuver could prove crucial in the farmers’ fight to protect their lands.
The environmental impact of the proposed bridge has been a key concern for the protesting farmers. They argue that the khazan fields are not just agricultural land but a unique ecosystem that plays a vital role in the local environment. The potential destruction of these fields, they contend, would have far-reaching consequences for the area’s biodiversity and ecological balance.
Political Dynamics and
Local Support
The controversy has also highlighted the complex political dynamics at play in Goa. Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, who represents the Nuvem constituency, has taken a more measured stance on the issue. Sequeira acknowledged the need for a new bridge but emphasized that the alignment remains a point of contention.
In a significant statement, Sequeira said, “The villagers have gone to the NGT. At the end of the day, the NGT will decide. We will respect the Court order. When the NGT judgement comes, government will have no option than to accept the order.”
This stance potentially offers a glimmer of hope to the protesting farmers, suggesting that not all government officials are aligned on the approach to the project.
Sequeira also revealed ongoing efforts to minimize the land acquisition. “The land acquisition proposal may have gone for land admeasuring 1.20 sq mtrs. But, the PWD is working to reduce the land to around 80,000 sq mtrs. I have still told them how best to further reduce the land,” he stated, indicating some willingness to address the farmers’ concerns.
However, some farmers have expressed doubts about whether their concerns are being adequately conveyed to the highest levels of government. One farmer questioned, “If at all our sentiments were conveyed by the MLA, why has Chief Minister Pramod Sawant not paid heed to it? The new bridge will not benefit the locals, it will only serve the purpose of corporate.”
The Borim Perspective
While much of the focus has been on Loutolim, farmers from Borim have also been vocal in their opposition to the project. David Rodrigues, one of the affected villagers from Borim, questioned the government’s approach, asking how they could finalize the acquisition process when the issue remains unresolved in court. Rodrigues also pointed out that villagers had previously met Minister Shirodkar seven times, but he had failed to explain the alignment of the proposed bridge.
Rahul Naik, another local from Borim, reiterated concerns raised during a Gram Sabha resolution.
“Before moving forward, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Minister Shirodkar should sit down with Borim villagers to explain the bridge’s alignment, particularly regarding the homes and khazan lands that would be affected,” he said.
Naik also raised alarming concerns about the potential environmental impact, alleging that the new Borim bridge alignment is being designed to benefit coal transportation to Mormugao Port, raising fears about coal pollution in the village.
The human cost of the project was highlighted by Tulshidas Borkar, a house owner who discovered his home might be demolished for the bridge alignment after a recent survey. As a tenant living on a landlord’s property, he poignantly asked, “Where would we go if our home is destroyed?”
Borim residents have also reminded Minister Shirodkar of a gram sabha resolution passed on July 28, 2024, which called for discussions between Borim Panchayat, the Chief Minister, and National Highway authorities regarding the new bridge’s alignment. The resolution stated that no homes should be demolished, in line with assurances previously given by the Chief Minister.
Economic Considerations
& Backing
While the opposition to the bridge has been vocal and persistent, there are also voices in support of the project. The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has called for urgent replacement of the Borim bridge due to the deteriorating condition of the present structure.
In a recent meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, GCCI president Shrinivas Dempo emphasised the economic importance of the bridge.
“The Borim bridge serves as a critical link between Vasco and Verna and facilitates economic activity,” Dempo had said. “The bridge also handles traffic from the Verna and Sancoale industrial areas and the Goa port,” he added.
This perspective highlights the complex balancing act facing the government – weighing the economic benefits and infrastructure needs against environmental concerns and the rights of local farmers.
The Road Ahead
As the October 22 hearing before NGT approaches, the farmers are preparing for what could be a decisive moment in their year-long struggle. They have indicated that if necessary, they will approach the High Court for relief. The controversy has also sparked discussions about indigenous farming rights, with the farmers petitioning the central ST commission to emphasise their status as indigenous cultivators.
Pinheiro, speaking for the Carbot, Mascasana & Bebdo Tenants Association, reaffirmed their commitment to the cause: “We will continue our battle to save our khazans, and we have full hope that our government will understand and consider our pleas. Rest, we trust in God.”
The Borim bridge controversy encapsulates many of the challenges facing modern India – the push for development and improved infrastructure versus the preservation of traditional livelihoods and environmental conservation. It raises important questions about the process of land acquisition, the rights of indigenous communities, and the role of local governance in major infrastructure projects.
As Goa watches this unfolding drama, the resilience of the Loutolim and Borim farmers in defending their land and way of life remains at the heart of this complex and emotionally charged issue.
With tensions running high and the deadline for land acquisition looming, all eyes are now on the upcoming NGT hearing. Whatever the outcome, this controversy has already highlighted the need for more inclusive and environmentally sensitive approaches to development projects, especially in areas with unique ecological characteristics like the khazan fields of Goa.