A tractor working in the Loutolim Khazan fields, a portion of which is proposed to be acquired to build the Borim bridge approaches.
MARGAO
The demarcation process for the construction of the high-level Borim bridge could not take off on Monday, even as the Loutolim village panchayat raised a host of questions, seeking information on issues concerning the land acquisition for the construction of the new bridge and its approaches across the river Zuari bridge.
Monday saw tractors working overtime to prepare the khazan fields for the ensuing season and a group of locals assembled near the fields in anticipation of the commencement of the demarcation exercise by the government-appointed consultant.
The Loutolim village panchayat on early Monday morning dashed off a letter to the PWD officials, Ponda division seeking answers and information on a host of questions on issues centred around the demarcation and land acquisition.
In the letter signed by acting Loutolim Sarpanch Celina Braganca, the panchayat has asked the PWD for a detailed schedule of the survey, demarcation, valuation and other activities, besides contact information of the consultant and the heads of the respective departments involved.
The panchayat sought to know whether the government has identified the CRZ areas, especially the vast stretches of khazan lands that have been proposed for acquisition, with a request to provide a list of the survey nos coming within CRZ.
Questions were further raised by the panchayat whether the government has any plans to carry out any demarcation, placement of stones, or other interference with the highly sensitive khazan lands. “If so, kindly provide us with the exact details of the work to be carried out in the khazans, and a copy of the CRZ Clerance obtained for the demarcation work in the khazan lands, since any placement of stones, etc will irreversibly interfere with the functioning and productivity of the khazan lands,” the panchayat stated in the letter.
Besides, the panchayat requested the government to provide it with a comprehensive plan that outlines the step-by-step process of the land acquisition and construction phases.
“A detailed schedule, including key milestones and expected completion dates for each stage, would be instrumental in keeping the Village Panchayat and our community informed and engaged. This transparency is crucial so that our residents can plan accordingly for any disruptions or changes that may affect their daily lives. We trust that your department will furnish us with this vital information at the earliest convenience,” the panchayat stated.
