IIT project: Sanguem farmers threaten to step up stir

THE GOAN NETWORK | SEPTEMBER 11, 2022, 12:07 AM IST
IIT project: Sanguem farmers threaten to step up stir

SANGUEM

Refusing to accept claims by the State government that it owns the land for the proposed IIT project at Cotarli-Sanguem, a group of farmers claimed that boundary marks have been put inside private plantations and have threatened to step up their agitation.

Addressing a news conference at Chinchant-Sanguem, several farmers who claim to have been cultivating the land at Cotarli-Sanguem for generations cautioned Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai not to play with their sentiments.

“We have been in cultivatory possession of the farmland at Cotarli village for the past several decades. It is ironic that Phaldessai claims the proposed area to be barren and free from any plantation despite knowing fairly well of a large number of paddy fields and other agricultural lands which exists in the locality,” said farmer, Pushpa Chari.

Another farmer, Lucy Barreto, warned the government not to take the sentiments of farmers lightly.

“It is for generations together that we are in possession and enjoyment of these pristine lands. Phaldessai should think of shifting the project elsewhere. We will wholeheartedly support and rally behind Phaldessai if the project is shifted elsewhere,” said Barreto.

Avita Peixoto sought to know from the government about the missing infrastructure facilities in Sanguem.

“We lack proper drinking water and electricity supply in Sanguem and the situation will only worsen if the project is permitted to come up at Sanguem,” claimed Peixoto.

Vicky D’Costa asked Phaldessai to comment on demarcation points put inside paddy fields cultivated by locals and also within the precincts of the property owned by the Church.

“While on the one hand, Phaldessai claims of no land either used or utilised by the locals will be used for the project, boundary marks have been put inside private plantations,” claimed D’Costa.

Another farmer, Joseph Fernandes, criticised the government’s move to forcibly grab the pristine land for IIT using the government machinery.

Meanwhile, Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai has reiterated that no farmer would be affected due to the proposed IIT project at Sanguem.

“No farmland will be used for the project and even if farmers stand to lose their farmlands, they will be suitably compensated,” claimed Phaldessai, adding that no private land or for that matter land occupied or used by any religious institution will be used for the project.

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