VALPOI
The issue of land ownership in Sattari taluka refuses to die down. Seeing no action in the matter, demand has been made through a press conference held at Kumthol-Sattari that the government should resolve the issue before the forthcoming assembly elections. The press conference was organized by Sattari Bhumiputra Sanghatana.
Speaking at the press conference, Antonio Pinto said that for the last several years, there has been a conflict between the forest department and Bhumiputra in Sattari taluka.
Pinto reminded that a few months ago, there was a fracas between the officials of the wildlife sanctuary and the locals at Bandirwada. “The forest department system is a big headache for Bhumiputra. The government has notified the sanctuary without trusting the locals. Since then, there have been endless problems for Bhumiputra in this area. It is the responsibility of the government to address this row,” he said. “But despite the request in a legal way, it has not been heeded. Through this press conference, we are requesting the government to announce its policy on the issue of land ownership before the forthcoming Assembly elections,” he added.
Shivaji Gawas said, “We still have government-owned land at our doorstep, but who will give us justice?”
Office-bearer Arjun Gawde said it was unfortunate that the government had not yet paid special attention to the land ownership issue. Will the government really pay attention to this in the future? he questioned.
Batu Gawde said that many problems have arisen because of the wildlife sanctuary. The main issue is the growing number of wild animals. Today, it is really unfortunate that many welfare schemes of the agriculture department cannot be availed as the lands are not in the name of Bhumiputras, he said.
