Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The National Green Tribunal has reserved its order on a petition filed by farmers from Borim and Loutolim villages, against the construction of new borim bridge over River zuari.
During the hearing, the petitioners argued for a stay while the state government sought more time.
The acquisition of 34 hectares for the construction of the new high-level Borim Bridge across the River Zuari was announced by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on last Thursday.
Recalling that the initial notification was released on October 19, 2023, was the Central government. Following the hearing of these objections, the final notification was sent out.
The farmers wrote written objections that were rejected, and they later filed appeals against that decision, which the Competent Authority also rejected.
The farmers are still not convinced and are not prepared to accept defeat, despite Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira’s attempts to allay worries by claiming that the amount of land being purchased has been scaled back from the original plan and that appropriate compensation will be given.
Following the recent announcement by the Union Highway Ministry about the construction of the new Borim bridge, farmers in Loutolim have voiced both great regret and a renewed sense of resolve.
The agricultural community has been energized by this most recent event, leading to a rush of planned activities and responses.
A representative of the Tenant Association of Carbot, Cantor, Macasana & Bebdo, Loutolim, stated, “We are discouraged but not defeated.”
