ODP reopening gives farmers chance to raise objections, get fields reverted

With the SGPDA setting in motion the process to invite objections and suggestions to the draft Margao ODP, farmers from Rawanfond, cultivating the fields opposite the Margao railway station, have filed their suggestions and objections to the PDA to retain the land use of the fields to agriculture.

Farmers of Madel, who had submitted a petition to the SGDPA Chairman, MLA Wilfred D’Sa to restore the green zone of the acquired fields and return them their fields, are also bracing up to formally file their written objection to the PDA.

Lodging a strong objection to the conversion of their cultivable fertile land opposite the Margao railway station, farmers led by Claudius Dias told the SGPDA that the land was illegally acquired for a transportation centre, but the purpose of acquisition is defeated since the land is not put to use.

“The land is cultivated by the farmers for self-employment and livelihood of their family members for over four generations. The land is a multi-cropping land where we produce rice and vegetables for self-consumption. The excess produce is supplied to the horticulture corporation,” Claudius said.

He added: “By converting the land, the government is making us unemployed and starving us for good and livelihood. Most of the cultivating farmers of this agricultural land are ST, SC and OBC community. The government has acquired the land fraudulently for a transportation centre without considering the farmers livelihood and employment and without taking the consent of the farmers.”

A resident of Madel-Fatorda, Mackenzie Da Costa informed that farmers from Madel would also make a representation to the SGDPA to revert the land acquired for a truck terminus back to agriculture.