VALPOI
The echoes of opposition to the survey of animals (tiger census) in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary that was to begin from today, Monday (March 28), reached the Range Forest Officer’s office on Sunday.
Around 200 bhumiputras had a detailed discussion with RFO Deepak Tandel on Sunday morning where a demand was made not to go ahead with the survey.
Discussions were held with the RFO Tandel from 10 am to 1 pm. The bhumiputras put forth their old demands and conveyed a message that they will not allow the survey till these are met. After the meeting, RFO Tandel said that due to the opposition to the survey, a report will be submitted to the seniors and further decision will be taken.
The villagers (bhumiputras) have demanded that land under cultivation should be excluded from the sanctuary and the government should seriously take up the issue of their land ownership.
They also demanded criminal cases filed against them two years ago should be withdrawn immediately.
The agitation for land rights has been going on for ten years and on Sunday the issue came to the fore again.
Goa Governor J F R Jacob had announced the notification of Mhadei sanctuary in 1999. This had led to a conflict between villagers and foresters and it remains to date.
