Opposition to IIT at Codar: Villagers Stand Firm
Ponda, Goa – In a demonstration of unity and determination, hundreds of villagers from Kasamshell, a village located near the proposed site for a permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Codar, gathered to voice their opposition against the state government’s plans. The villagers expressed their willingness to take any measures necessary to prevent the project from being imposed on them.
Concerns Over Land Acquisition
The villagers are particularly concerned about the land that is being earmarked for the IIT campus. Dnyanesh Khandeparkar, a local resident, emphasized that the government’s claims about the land being barren and rocky are misleading. “Most of the land is under cultivation,” he stated, highlighting the importance of the agricultural activities that take place there.
Impact on Local Agriculture
Many villagers rely on horticultural farms situated on the proposed site. They argue that the government’s actions threaten their livelihoods and the agricultural heritage of the region. Shansandeep Kodarkar, another resident, insisted that they are registered tenants of the property and that their income is primarily derived from the horticultural fields they cultivate.
Employment Promises Questioned
In response to the government’s assurances that the IIT project would create job opportunities for locals, villagers expressed skepticism. “None from our village has received any job from the agricultural farm run by the government at Codar,” one villager remarked, indicating a lack of faith in the promises made by officials.
Environmental Concerns
The villagers are also worried about the environmental implications of establishing an IIT campus in the area. Resha Gaude, a local resident, pointed out that they have been taught to protect agriculture and the environment since childhood. She criticized the government for its apparent disregard for the local flora and fauna, stating, “The government is trying to devastate the region’s natural resources.”
Community’s Call to Action
Nital Satish Gaude, a recipient of the Stree Shakti award for her efforts in environmental conservation, expressed her disappointment with the government. “The Chief Minister Pramod Sawant awarded me for protecting nature, but now his government is attempting to destroy agriculture in our area,” she lamented. She further warned that the IIT project would put undue pressure on the village’s water resources, which are crucial for agricultural use.
Support from Tribal Organizations
The villagers are seeking support from tribal organizations to strengthen their opposition against the land acquisition. They believe that the government’s actions are an infringement on the rights of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, which they feel is being marginalized in this process. The community has vowed to continue their agitation until the government reconsiders its decision to establish the IIT campus at Codar.
Next Steps for the Villagers
As the protests continue, the villagers are organizing meetings and rallies to raise awareness about their plight. They are determined to keep the pressure on the government and ensure that their voices are heard. “We will not back down; we will fight for our land and our future,” a villager declared during the protest.
Conclusion
The situation in Codar highlights the tension between development projects and local communities. The villagers’ strong opposition to the IIT campus reflects their deep-rooted connection to the land and their commitment to preserving their agricultural way of life. As this issue unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the concerns raised by the villagers and whether a compromise can be reached that respects both development and community rights.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on reports and statements made by local residents and may be subject to further developments.
