SANGUEM
Farmers agitating against the IIT project at Sanguem have welcomed the Centre’s decision to reject the land identified by the State Government on grounds that it is 'inadequate'.
The agitating farmers have, however, said they will continue with their agitation till the State government formally withdraws the IIT project from the proposed site.
One of the agitating farmers, Milton Fernandes, appreciated the central government’s decision not to accept the State government’s proposal as major portion of the proposed land is either under green cover or rocky terrain.
“It is, however, ironic to note that Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai is still pressurising the central government to consider the proposed site by making available another 2 lakhs sq mtrs of land from private landlords,” said Fernandes.
Fernandes said the total area surrounding the proposed site is under green cover and comes under Command Area Development Programme.
“Instead of allocating this pristine land for concrete buildings, the government should provide adequate government subsidies for locals to use the area for agriculture.”
Another farmer, Joseph Fernandes, who had been in the forefront of the agitation against IIT since day one, reiterated that they will never permit the proposed IIT project at the present site in Cotarli village.
“We will not allow anyone to touch the hillock and the hilly terrain in the village. This land belongs to us and we have protected it for years before the same being passed to us by our forefathers,” claimed Fernandes
“We don't understand why Phaldessai is after the farmers to get the project on Sanguem after it has been rejected by the central government. Phaldessai should stop misguiding authorities with respect to additional land available in the area,” he said.
Though the Centre had sought 12 lakh sq mts land to set up the IIT, the State government had managed to identify only 7 lakh sq. mts land in Sanguem for the purpose.
The Centre rejected the State’s proposal as hardly 3 lakh sq mts land would be left for development, since remaining land is either under green cover or rocky terrain.
