Team Goemkarponn
VELSAO: In a shocking development, South Western Railway’s (SWR) name has been added to several land records in Velsao village, including survey number 18/1 in Mollo. Villagers, who have been opposing the railway double-tracking project, expressed outrage over this revelation.
Former Velsao panch and social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, who has been vocal against the double-tracking project, said he was shocked when people informed him that the South Western Railways name was reflected in the Form 1 & 14 of their property.
” I personally checked and found that their claims were true. This could become a major issue for the villagers.”
According to D’Souza, this development complicates matters for the landowners, as SWR is now listed as a co-owner in multiple survey numbers. He emphasized that this might require villagers to seek permission from SWR for any future dealings with their land.
D’Souza, who was among the first to oppose the double-tracking project, blamed certain activists for derailing the villagers’ fight.
“I had asked people to unite and oppose the land acquisition process, but some so-called activists hijacked our fight and misled the people. While they initially claimed to be against double-tracking, their stance has softened, and now they are advocating for sustainable development.”
He further questioned the role of these activists in the recent developments.
“How has SWR’s name been added to survey number 18/1 and several others? These activists have failed the people and have left them in deep trouble. Instead of protecting our land, they have allowed SWR to become co-owners in these properties.”
D’Souza also pointed out the legal ramifications of SWR’s inclusion in land records. “Tomorrow, if these villagers want to do anything with their land, they may need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from SWR. This is unacceptable, and these so-called activists must demand the deletion of SWR’s name from Form 1 & 14 immediately.”said D’Souza
He criticized the activists for their failure to deliver on their promises,
“They claimed the Railways had no documents and were grabbing land, yet now SWR’s name is reflected in so many survey numbers. These activists owe the villagers an explanation” said D’Souza
D’Souza urged villagers to press the authorities for answers and ensure the removal of SWR’s name from the land records.
“If immediate action is not taken, the villagers will face a bigger crisis. The so-called activists need to stop misleading people and start fighting for the rightful ownership of the land.”said D’souza
This development has left the villagers of Velsao worried, as they face an uncertain future regarding their ancestral properties.
