the goan I network
MAPUSA
Claiming that work has started on the land earmarked under the town planning scheme in Mapusa, Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco on Thursday said the BJP-led government was carrying out a fraud against the farmers of Bardez under the garb of the scheme.
“In Gaunsavaddo, at least two plans have been passed under the town planning scheme. The scheme is yet to be notified, but approvals have been issued and construction has also started on the land,” Reginaldo said.
The Curtorim MLA was addressing the media along with former tourism minister and Tivim MLA Nilkant Halarnkar, North Goa District Congress chief Vijay Bhike and other party office bearers in the Congress party office in Mapusa.
Stating that the TPS was not very clear in the Town Planning Act, he said the Congress party will explore legal options to stop the draconian scheme which was out to pinch the farmers of their land in Mapusa.
“We (Congress) are not taking this lightly. We are taking this matter to High Court. We are in touch with some advocates,” he said to a question.
The Congress MLA said CM Manohar Parrikar had promised to hold another meeting with the farmers and if still there were any issues, he will not go ahead with the scheme.
“I want to ask Parrikar who is still the chief minister and TCP minister, Vijai Sardessai, do you want to finish Goem, Goemkar and Goemkarponn?” said Reginaldo.
He said although all farmers were not with the government on the scheme, there were attempts made to forcefully convince others.
“One of the prominent persons is an ex-chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council, who is forcing farmers to give their NOC. I think he should clarify,” Reginaldo alleged.
He said if the farmers relinquished their land, Bardezkars would never get to see the fields again and appealed to the farmers to save their agricultural land. “These fields have been protected by your forefathers. What are you going to do by selling these fields to the builders?” he appealed to the farmers.
