Public Works Department’s affidavit filed before the National Green Tribunal, Pune Bench stating that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H) recommending several changes to the new bridge feasibility and design proposals initially prepared has left the Loutolim farmers to wonder whether the PWD is starting the entire process afresh.
In fact, Loutolim farmers waging a sustained battle against the proposal to build the new high level Borim bridge through their khazan fields have said that it looks like that the PWD and the MoRT&H is starting the process again.
Chairman of the Carbot Cantor Mascasana and Bebdo Association Alberto Pinheiro told The Goan that the farmers have full faith in the judiciary, even as he admitted that the concern expressed by the farmers will remain till the land acquisition proceedings are dropped.
“The PWD has filed an affidavit before the NGT stating that the consultant appointed to prepare the Detailed Project Report for the new high level Borim Bridge is in the process of incorporating the modifications recommended by the MoRT&H into the final DPR. The PWD has admitted that it will take six months to prepare the final DPR. Looks like they are starting the process afresh”, he said.
Pinheiro said the Counsel representing the farmers have submitted with citations of previous Judgements that since the area to be consumed is more than 150000 sq meters the project will fall under clause (8) of the EIA notification 2006. “Although the next date of hearing is scheduled in September we don't expect that our prayer for the interim relief would be decided. Anyway, we have full faith in the judiciary and our cultivation will continue. Of course, our concern over the future of our fields will always remain till the land acquisition is dropped”, he said.
Given that another group of farmers have field a PIL in the High Court against the land acquisition for the Borim Bridge, Pinheiro said “our Counsel is gearing up to put forth our concern at the High Court when our petition comes up for hearing. The blessings of our ancestors is with us, besides the guidance of Abhijit Prabhudesai of Rainbow warriors”.
