the goan I network
CANACONA
Claiming that their livelihood has been threatened, 250 residents from five wards of Cotigao have demanded the exclusion of their areas from the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, reserved forests and eco-sensitive zone.
A representation to this effect was signed by the residents of Edda, Kuskem, Nadkem, Keri and Bhutpal in Cotigao and submitted to the government through Dy Speaker and Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes
The residents of these areas have mentioned nearly 83 survey numbers (including sub-divisions) have been under the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, while 33 survey numbers have been declared under reserved forest and eco-sensitive Zone.
In their petition, the residents mention that they all belong to the Scheduled Tribe community and have been residing and cultivating these lands, situated in Cotigao village, since Portuguese colonial rule, adding that their families are totally dependent on the income derived from that cultivation.
“Cultivating these land is our main and only source of our livelihood and we are cultivating the land as per the Portuguese documentary evidence,” stated the representation.
“Therefore, we kindly request to exclude the above mentioned survey numbers from Wildlife Sanctuary Cotigao, Reserved Forest and Eco Sensitive Zone.” When contacted, Dy Speaker and Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes admitted that the Cotigao locals were justified in their demands.
“There is a need to provide some relief to these forest dwellers, whose livelihood is agriculture and from forest produce. Instead, various restrictions on these people due to reserved land status on three counts -- Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, reserved forests and eco-sensitive zone -- has not only hampered their livelihood but has stalled chances of taking this community on the path of development.”
“Providing basic needs like road, water and electricity has always been a challenge, and the recent declaration of an eco-sensitive zone, particularly the land on which they have been undertaking various cultivation through the ages, has caused further anxiety to these people,” said Fernandes.
