Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: In a significant development, the South Goa District Administration has commenced the long-awaited land demarcation process for the double-tracking project in the Velsao-Pale area. This exercise, which began on December 20, involves the demarcation of land in Survey No. 18/1, Mollo, Pale village, and is being conducted in the presence of local villagers, railway officials, representatives from the NGO Goencho Ekvott, and local administrative officers, including the Talathi.
The process follows a series of controversies surrounding the land acquisition. The Government of Goa had previously issued a certificate of possession to South Western Railways (SWR) on October 31, 2023, without adhering to the necessary procedures of surveying and demarcating the affected land. Additionally, SWR applied for mutation on November 21, 2024, and the local administration issued the mutation certificate on the same day, affecting multiple parcels of land across Mormugao, Salcete, Quepem, and Sanguem talukas.
The Department of Survey & Land Records (DSLR) has plotted the coordinates of the land by 1:00 PM on the first day and will resume the demarcation process on December 21 at 10:30 AM. This move aims to address the grievances of the local residents who have been protesting the lack of proper notification and due process in the land acquisition.
Orville Dourado Rodrigues, a founder member of Goencho Ekvott, raised concerns with senior officials of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) regarding the construction activities that have been disrupting the peace in the village. The construction work, which includes heavy earth-moving machinery and piling works, has been ongoing beyond 6:00 PM and even into the night, violating local regulations. RVNL officials have agreed to ensure that all construction activities will cease at dusk from now on to avoid further disturbances.
The demarcation exercise is a crucial step towards resolving the ongoing disputes between the local community and the railway authorities. The presence of a strong police contingent ensured the smooth conduct of the process.
