‘Nearly 45,000 sqm of 2 lakh sqm being put up for sale after clearing plantations’
Ponda: Tribal farmers and residents of Vangal–Querim came together on Sunday in a show of unity, raising their voices to protect cultivable land from what they alleged is an aggressive push by landlords and migrant builders to construct large residential projects.
Villagers also said that out of nearly 2 lakh sqm of land that they have been traditionally farming, around 45,000 sqm is already being put up for sale after clearing plantations. Led by social worker Swati Kerkar, Ramkrishna Jalmi and local activist Dinesh Gaude, they said the land has sustained their livelihoods for generations.
“This land is meant for cultivation, not for concrete structures. What we are witnessing is a complete violation of land use rules,” said Kerkar, alleging that landlords are acting as “illegal bhatkars”, while indigenous tribal communities have been reduced to “tenants on their own land”.
The panchayat had passed a resolution opposing the sale of land to outsiders, a decision villagers alleged is being ignored.
“Cashew plantations are being destroyed, fertile land is being sold off, and mega projects are coming up without any concern for the people who depend on this land. If you are investing in Querim, do not build here; this land must remain for agriculture,” said Kerkar.
Jalmi said the tribal communities have been cultivating this land for decades, growing cashew, vegetables and trees. “Yet the landlord sold it without even informing us or taking us into confidence. This is a betrayal of the farming community,” he said.
Kerkar said the Deputy Collector must conduct a thorough inquiry. “The panchayat should not issue any licences, and TCP must act responsibly. Once this land is gone, it is gone forever,” said Kerkar.
The villagers, known for their history of environmental movements, drew parallels with past
struggles and called for collective action once again. “It’s time for another revolution to save our land—just like we did before,” Kerkar said.
