30 Oct 2023| 08:10am ISTAngry Loutolim villagers unanimously reject proposed land acquisition for new Borim Bridge projectFear devastation of approximately 2 lakh sq metres of fertile khazan landsTeam HeraldMARGAO: Loutolim villagers put up a monumental display of resistance at the gram sabha meeting on Sunday against land acquisition plans for construction of new Borim Bridge along with approaches across river Zuari and the bypass road to Borim Bridge, by unanimously passing a resolution rejecting the project. Further, the absence of detailed reports, Environment Impact Assessment (EIAs), and the commencement of land acquisition proceedings without adequate information to affected individuals, drew severe criticism. Concerns of potential flooding due to khazan land filling and detrimental impacts on agriculture and local livelihoods remained pivotal in the rejection of the proposed alternative. The Gram Sabha emphasised the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive assessment considering environmental, social and economic implications before proceeding with such projects. Here, the PWD NH CE stated, “The various aspects including that of the missing link at Loutolim at ch.12/00 (i.e.

Source: The Herald October 29, 2023 21:53 UTC