VARKHAND VILLAGERS TO OPPOSE MOPA ROAD

Farmers opposition to the proposed acquisition of land for a 160-metre broad road linking the Mopa airport to the national highway stalled the process for the second time within a fortnight as Varkhand villagers refused to give any commitment to the special land acquisition officer (SLAO). After SLAO M K Vasta who had approached villagers in Cansarvarnem on December 10 to discuss the land acquisition for the road was turned back by villagers stating unanimously that they would not part with their land, a week later Vasta also faced resistance in neighbouring Varkhand recently. The SLAO came up with a scaled down proposal for land acquisition stating that the road width would be reduced to 60 metres. "The officer said the proposal was to reduce the road to 60m," Sandip Kambli, Xetkareancho Ekvott member said. However, the villagers asked for a official proof instead of an oral one. "The first issue our villagers raised was to show the cancellation of the proposal for a 160m road and proof of due publication in the official gazette," Kambli said. Farmers also declined to express any commitment whether they are willing to part with their land for the 60-metre road, too. "Even if the cancellation is done, they said that they can consider the proposal but cannot give any commitment to part with their land," Kambli said.