MARGAO
In an interesting development, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Thursday urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to return back the agricultural fields acquired by the BJP government 20 years ago for a truck terminus during the tenure of former MLA and incumbent BJP State president Damu Naik and then Urban Development Minister Digambar Kamat.
In his letter addressed to the Chief Minister, the Fatorda MLA said he is renewing his plea to the government to return back the fields to the farmers in view of the recent statement made by the BJP State president, suggesting to him to take the initiative for the return of the agricultural paddy field land situated adjacent to the Wholesale Fish Market at Fatorda,.
“This has been a longstanding demand consistently raised by me on behalf of the farmers and agricultural tenants who continue to cultivate these fields despite the acquisition. Over the years, I have repeatedly advocated that the land, which remains under agricultural use and has not been utilised for the purpose of construction of truck terminus for which it was acquired, should be restored to those whose livelihoods depend upon it”, he said.
He added: “The paddy fields in question continue to be actively cultivated and contribute to the preservation of Goa's agricultural heritage, food security, groundwater recharge, and ecological balance. The continued possession of the land by the Government without utilisation for the intended public purpose serves neither the interests of development nor those of the farming community”.
In view of the public stand now taken by Shri Damu Naik, who was himself associated with the acquisition process during his tenure as MLA, the Fatorda MLA said he is requesting the Government seize this opportunity to address the long-pending grievance of the affected cultivators.
Sardesai urged the government to undertake the necessary legal and administrative measures to return the acquired paddy field land adjoining the Wholesale Fish Market to the agricultural tenants and farmers who have been cultivating the same for decades. “A detailed examination may be carried out to identify the eligible tenants and formulate an appropriate mechanism for restoration of their rights and continued agricultural use of the land”, he added.
