Scrap Sec 39A, say Benaulim locals, plan mega protest

Margao: Villagers of Benaulim, during a special gram sabha on Sunday, unanimously resolved to oppose Section 39A of the TCP Act and demanded that it be scrapped. They also announced plans for a mega protest on July 4.

Benaulim AAP MLA Venzy Viegas referred to a recent notification concerning two parcels of land, one in Benaulim and the other in Cavelossim, containing paddy fields that were proposed to be reclassified as no development zones (NDZ). The TCP, however, suggested they could be proposed as a non-development area (NDA).

“Paddy fields are protected under the Goa Restriction of Transfer of Agricultural Land Act 2023, which restricts transfer and sale to non-agriculturists. The introduction of a new term, NDA, that is undefined and ambiguous in its implications appears to create a pathway that could bypass the protection under the Act,” said Viegas.

Many locals also raised the issue of conversion of paddy fields and low-lying areas into settlement zones.

“Many fields are being converted, which I also don’t want. We had this meeting to create awareness among the people about Section 39A. Another issue is that the panchayat is never considered when such conversions happen,” said sarpanch Xavier Fernandes.

Gram sabha member Rudolf Barretto said that they had sent their village plan prepared under the regional plan and sent it to the government.

“But they didn’t consider our suggestions. This section gives powers to TCP to convert land as they want,” he alleged.

He said that fields are not just for crops but are catchment areas that help renew the groundwater table, adding, “If we want to survive, the fields have  to survive.”

The gram sabha also resolved to protect and not allow the conversion of agricultural fields, orchard lands, and natural cover areas into settlement zones.

A resolution was also passed opposing the public notices issued by the TCP and demanding protection for paddy fields under the Act.