MARGAO
Beleaguered farmers of Loutolim appear anxiously waiting for the final hearing to commence before the National Green Tribunal on Monday on their plea for a stay on the land acquisition proceedings in respect of the new High Level Borim Bridge passing through the khazan fields.
After repeated adjournments on their petition over the last one year, the NGT Western Zone Bench, Pune has finally listed the matter for final hearing on July 21. The Tribunal has fixed the date after a host of respondents cited by the farmers filed their respective replies and counter affidavits at the last date of hearing on June 5.
President of the Loutolim Tenants Association Alberto Pinheiro expressed happiness that the petition filed by the farmers before the NGT will be taken up for final hearing. “Yes, the farmers have been waiting for the final hearing for the last several months. Since the respondents have filed their replies, the matter is listed for final hearing”, he said.
While many prefer to keep their fingers crossed over the outcome of the final hearing, Alberto has exuded confidence that the NGT will give the judgement in favour of the farmers. “We are confident that the Tribunal will pass the judgement in favour of the farmers. We have attached all documents to show that the government has bulldozed with the land acquisition proceedings despite objections raised by the farmers. Truth and justice will prevail”, he said.
Environmental activist Abhijit Prabhudesai said the legal team representing the farmers before the NGT will highlight how the authorities have thrown various norms to the winds to expedite the land acquisition proceedings.
In the petition, the farmers have drawn attention of the NGT that the Zuari river, the largest river in Goa, passing through Talukas of Tiswadi, Ponda, Mormugao, Salcete, Sanguem and Quepem, which is a tidal river affected by the tides of the Arabian Sea.
They submitted that the Khazan lands are protected under Clause 8(V)(3) of the CRZ Notification, 2011, which is an area requiring special consideration for CRZ of Goa. River Zuari forms the lifeline for agricultural activities for local farmers. “Extensive areas of saline wetlands of river Zuari have been reclaimed about 4000 years ago by the indigenous communities of the villages. They have made bundhs of clay and other natural material, large expanses of fertile agricultural lands, an intricate system of fish breeding water bodies and tidally operated sluice gates linking them to the river, which are collectively known as the Khazan lands”, the petition stated.
The farmers have prayed to the NGT to directed the respondent, including the Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Executive Engineer, Works Division XV (NH), Public Works Department, Chief Engineer (NH, R&B), Public Works Department and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to reconsider or re-design and selection of the alternative for proposed construction of High Level New Borim Bridge, on the ground that the present design/alignment fails to identify and consider the presence of CRZ areas, forest areas and environmental preservation and the impact on these eco-sensitive areas and the people dependent on these areas.
It was further prayed to issue directions to the respondents not to proceed with the project without first obtaining a prior Environment Clearance under the EIA Notification, 2006.
