OLD GOA
The St Estevam locals have opposed the move by a private entity to take over fallow fields and unused sluice gates in the village.
The decision was taken at a meeting held in the village on Sunday, with a large number of participants in attendance.
Incidentally, the fears of the locals have arisen from the fact that the private entity has written to the Collector, Administrator of Comunidades (Central Zone), St Estevam Panchayat, Jua Comunidade, Mamlatdar, and various other authorities to allow it to start work on khazan lands, sluice gates, and uncultivated land.
Opposing the move to take over the village land, the locals resolved to write to all the authorities that the private entity has approached, citing their objections to the same.
Later, speaking to The Goan, one of the speakers at the meeting and activist Swapnesh Sherlekar informed that when they researched this private entity they found that it has various other organisations under its name, mostly dealing in real estate.
“So, this is nothing but an attempt to usurp the local land by taking away the rights of the locals and then using the same for real estate development. It has nothing to do with the revival of agriculture,” Sherlekar informed.
He then moved a proposal that the local tenants’ associations or farmers’ club should write to all these authorities and propose that they are willing to revive agriculture, and that this private entity should only offer its expertise.
“If the private entity is really interested in reviving agriculture, then it should have no problem in offering its expertise, if any. But, under no circumstances should it be given rights over the land,” Sherlekar informed.
Later, a signature campaign was undertaken, which will be attached to the objection letter to be submitted to the various authorities.
A resolution was also adopted that the Jua Comunidade should hold its meeting at the earliest to discuss and decide on the issue. A decision was also taken to have the issue discussed at the upcoming gram sabha.
Ilha Verde Farmers Club to resume community farming in St Estevam
OLD GOA: Ilha Verde Farmers Club President Nestor Rangel has stated that there is no need for any outsider to revive agriculture in St Estevam.
“Our Farmers Club has worked in the past in the revival of agriculture and has cultivated fallow fields in St Estevam with great success,” Rangel informed, while adding that it was only during the past couple of years that the activity could not be undertaken.
“However, very soon we are going to revive community farming in the village as we are competent enough to revive agriculture. So, the question of an outsider entering the village to revive agriculture does not arise,” Rangel stated.
