Sequeira promises delegation appointment with official for a solution
MARGAO
Loutolim farmers on Thursday called on local Nuvem MLA Aleixo Sequeira to convey a message loud and clear to the government that the proposed new Borim bridge should not come over their khazan fields, making it crystal clear that the farmers will never sacrifice their khazan lands.
Sequeira did not give any assurance to the farmers led by Chairman of Tenants Association Albert Pereira, but promised to seek an appointment for meeting between the farmers and the Principal Chief Engineer to resolve the controversy amicably.
After a meeting with the Nuvem MLA at his residence on Thursday morning, Pereira said the MLA underscored the need for discussions on the alignments drawn by the consultant and the PWD.
Saying the farmers are ready to cooperate with the authorities, Pereira, however, asserted that the farmers will not allow the bridge to come up over the khazan fields. “We are firm in our demand that we don’t want the bridge over our khazan lands. That is the viewpoint of the farmers and the villagers. We are not ready to sacrifice our fields for the bridge. Rest of the things we are ready to talk, but not on the khazans,” he said.
Pereira added: “The proposed bridge is cutting right in the middle of the khazans. The arm of the bridge will destroy our fields. Even if the bridge is on stilts, trucks will go with construction material through the fields destroying the fields of our ancestors. We cultivate the fields twice a year. Those who fail to cultivate get a notice seeking explanation for leaving the fields fallow. Around 100 tons of paddy is produced in the khazan fields every year. These fields constitute our lifeline and the greenery of Loutolim. We cannot sacrifice them.”
After giving the farmers a patient hearing, the Nuvem MLA said he has not given any assurance that the bridge will not come up as per the alignment number seven. Sequeira, however, stressed on the need for discussions in order to come out with the best alternative. “The consultant had worked out seven alignments for the proposed new Borim bridge. I have not seen any of these alignments. May be after discussions, an eight alignment may come up to the satisfaction of all concerned,” he said.
He added: “Let us sit down and discuss the matter. The PWD Principal Chief Engineer is on leave. We can arrange a meeting with him after he resumes office next week. Let us go and talk to them. If we sit down and discuss, maybe we will come out with the best alignment after discussions. Maybe, the alignment can be modified so that the bridge does not pass through the fields.”
