VALPOI
Strong resentment is growing among farmers, local residents and stakeholders in the agricultural sector after the inauguration of the newly constructed Zonal Agriculture Office (ZAO) building in Sattari was postponed thrice despite the project being completed months ago.
Built at a cost of several crores of rupees, the modern office complex is yet to be opened for public use. In the meantime, the ground floor of the building has reportedly become a shelter for stray cattle, leaving citizens shocked at the condition of such an important public asset.
Ironically, the existing ZAO continues to function from an old building that is said to be in a dilapidated and unsafe condition.
Cracks have reportedly appeared on the walls and concerns have been raised about the structural stability of the building. Farmers and staff fear that parts of the structure could collapse at any time, making it unsafe for both employees and visitors.
Sattari is one of Goa's major agricultural talukas, with a large farming community cultivating cashew, mango, arecanut, banana, paddy, vegetables and several other crops.
Farmers regularly visit the ZAO to complete procedures related to government subsidy schemes, crop registration, plantation records, certificates, agricultural inputs and other official services.
Recognising the need for better infrastructure, a demand had been raised for several years to establish a modern and fully equipped Agriculture Office in Sattari. The proposal received approval through the efforts of local MLA and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, following which the multi-crore project was constructed with facilities such as spacious offices, waiting areas for farmers and dedicated sections for various agricultural services.
Farmers had expected the office to be inaugurated before the monsoon. The inauguration was reportedly scheduled in the presence of Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Pramod Sawant, local MLA and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and other dignitaries. However, the programme was cancelled at the last moment. Subsequently, two more inauguration dates were also postponed, creating disappointment and uncertainty among farmers.
Although construction was completed several months ago, the building continues to remain unopened. Residents now fear that continued lack of maintenance and security may eventually damage the new infrastructure even before it becomes operational.
As the new building remains closed, officials and staff continue to work from the old premises. Several sections operate from the first floor, forcing farmers to climb narrow staircases. Elderly citizens, women and differently-abled farmers face considerable hardship while accessing the office, and many have expressed concern over the lack of proper accessibility and safety.
With the monsoon season in full swing, farmers are busy with plantation activities, crop registrations and documentation for various government schemes. This has increased the number of visitors to the Agriculture Office.
However, the limited space and unsafe condition of the old building have resulted in inconvenience for both farmers and employees, with many applicants reportedly spending long hours completing official formalities.
Farmer organisations and local residents have urged the government to take immediate action and start functioning from the new building instead of repeatedly postponing its inauguration.
