Team Goemkarponn
MOLLO: On Christmas Eve, employees of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and their contractors allegedly trespassed onto private property in Survey No. 18/1, Mollo, Pale Village, and felled a mango tree central to ongoing protests. The incident occurred while the landowner, Pedro Rodrigues, was away for last-minute Christmas shopping.
According to Rodrigues’ family, pleas by his elderly mother and young children to stop the felling were ignored by RVNL employees, who reportedly claimed they had full authority over the land following demarcation. However, it has come to light that discussions regarding the proposed land acquisition are still ongoing, with a meeting scheduled at the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records (DSLR) on January 6, 2025.
Goencho Ekvott, a community organization, has strongly condemned the actions, labeling them as “criminal trespass” and “uncalled for.” Joint Secretary Olencio Simoes, along with Orville Dourado Rodrigues, visited the site and pledged their support to Rodrigues and other affected landowners.
“This is a clear violation of trust and legal procedure,” said Simoes. “The matter is not settled, and the actions of RVNL and SWR employees are premature and unlawful.”
Intervention by Leaders
Capt. Viriato Fernandes, South Goa MP, who had previously intervened to save the same mango tree on November 5, 2024, has been informed of the incident. Local leaders, including Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, are expected to escalate the issue to the relevant authorities.
Forest Department Permissions Questioned
The organization and Rodrigues have also raised concerns about whether RVNL obtained the necessary permissions from the Forest Department to fell trees in Survey No. 18/1.
Rodrigues has lodged a formal police complaint at Verna Police Station and has written to the Deputy Collector of Mormugao, seeking urgent action against RVNL.
Goencho Ekvott has vowed to pursue the matter through legal and administrative channels to prevent further unlawful actions on disputed land.
