Goemkarponn Desk
PONDA: Ponda 15 MLD STP inaugurated by spending crores, but there is big question whether it is difficult for government to fulfill promise made to poor farmer sacrificed land.
Is the government ready to give justice to the farmers, family who sacrificed land for the Project.
There is feeling of cheating among the farmer,s family at Dhavlim. In 2016 the government officials approached him asking for his 3200 square meters fertile Agricultural land owned by his family at Kavlem including three brothers. The government was seeking the land for construction of sewerage plant.
From Day one Tukaram Gavade and his family firmely rejected the offer stating that it is the only their livelihood and will never give his land for STP and that he will never sacrifice land for the sake of monetary compensation. But finally The government any how managed to grab the land by assuring him promises and finally constructed project in his land but in seven years but done nothing to fulfill promises to this farmer.
The farmer tells whole story. According to Tukaram at the beginning the bag full of money was offered to him and he firmly rejected it stating he will not share his land. Meanwhile sewerage officials any how convinced the other farmers to share their land for STP promising them Monterey Compensation, however Tukaram was never ready for sharing his land.
Local MLA and then PWD Minister Sudin Dhavlikar told him that the sewerage Official from his own Community will solve his issues related to land. But this Officials who visited my house for land now not ready to listen him.
Tukaram said his thoughts were different . He was man of principle. Following this one Sewerage Official started doing rounds at his house. He made so many visits at Tukaram,s house ,however every time Tukaram said no to him.
Tukaram explained him that agriculture is only his livelihood and for the sake of money he give his land he would lost his livelihood permanently. However the Sewerage officials convinced him to put forth his demand and government will fulfill it.
As Local Polticians also promised to solve issues ,Tukaram due to several request finally got ready but he said he would not accept any compensation in monetary form.
Finally the Sewerage Official signed agreement with him stating that government would construct 1000 capacity hall in land at Dhavlim and secondly his family would be given two government jobs. Tukaram was happy that in exchange of field he is getting permanant source of livelihood in the form of hall and two jobs for family , a dream is not fulfilled today even after seven years of signing agreement.
As he realised that STP was built and ready for inauguration six month ago he with help of Revolutionary Goans ( RG) Members met Swerage officials and questioned about promises made to him through signing agreement. He also met Chief Minister and other Ministers including PWD Minister but all in vain.
Tukaram said the two jobs given to his family were temporary nature in sewerage department with meagre salary. The hall promised is not constructed stating various reasons.
Recently on day ahead of STP inauguration he protested at site for not fulfilling promise. Sewerage Department officials rejected all his claims and allegations.
Now next day on 23 Feb the STP was inaugurated at hands of PWD Minister but he was not given any invitation.
Instead Fearing protest from his family large Police were deputed at site and plant was inaugurated. Tukaram says he could not stage the protest as Police pressure created fear in his family. His wife was hospitalized on day as there were several calls from Police from early morning and was pressurised to attend Police Station. Tukaram said he sacrifice his fertile land , lost livelihood and everything. The government cheated him by not fulfilling the agreement signed with him. From day one he had rejected monetary compensation for his land. He said he is firm that government should do justice to him.
Tukaram made allegations that to deprive him from getting the benefit of agreement signed with government the Officials had forged the document.
Tukaram said after inauguration of STP he was called at sewerage office and the two Ministers including PWD and Power Minister discussed on issue but so far till date no solution to problem.
Tukaram,s family is Zalmi that offers prayers to god. He said he is man of word and Nothing can change his determination.
Now the government had constructed the Kavlem STP by spending around 338 Crores, but question remains is it difficult for government to fulfill the promises made to poor farmer who sacrificed is precious land for the Project.
Is the government ready to give justice to the farmers, family who sacrificed land for the Project ?
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