Panaji: The Goa Bench of Bombay High Court accepted the application of villagers Domnick Inacio Pereira and Ganesh Chodankar to be the co-petitioners in connection with the illegal conversion of 6,000 square meters of agricultural land zoning change in Cujira village in Tiswadi.
The original petition was filed by social activist Gaurav Bakshi. He had filed the application regarding an illegal 6,000 square meters of agricultural land zoning change in Cujira village.
Reacting to the development, Bakshi said “I am glad that villagers Domnic Perreira (Panch member in Ward 3 of Village Santa Cruz) and Ganesh Chodankar have joined me as co-petitioners in this matter. “
“We urge all villages across Goa to ensure that their panchayats act to stop such blatant land use change in violation of all laws that are resulting in the destruction of orchards, agricultural fields, and hills across the State of Goa,” he added.
Several village panchayats are passing meaningless resolutions and giving verbal assurances, yet deliberately avoiding taking legal recourse against such conversions. Village are urged to expose such panchayats and come together to approach the court of law to ensure justice, he said.
The matter is fixed for hearing on September 17.
