From Sanjay Borkar in Margao
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)

Margao, Nov 7: Although the Goa government has formed task force for Regional Plan 2021 to keep watch on land deals and conversions, a vast paddy field at Tishem-Borim, 14 km away from here, is on deal to a Delhi-based shipbuilder.

According to sources, a deal for the paddy filed land admeasuring around 50 thousand square metres is on papers. Farmers here have given their nod to this businessman to sell their land for just Rs 55 lac.

This area, which is adjacent to Zuari River, has many ship-building docks, which creates nuisance to the public, as the banging noise of shipbuilding goes on day and night. Now this prime land is also would be occupied for shipbuilding purpose, causing further nuisance.

Sources in political circles revealed that an erstwhile minister is working as a middleman to convince the farmers. They  had initially opposed the deal but have now approved of it on account of the pressure from this heavy-weight politician.

The Delhi businessman had approached these farmers two years ago. But that time the farmers had refused to give their land. As the businessman has now lured each of them with around 1.5 lac rupees, the farmers have said 'yes'  to the project.

This paddy field which is cultivated every year has about 32 tenants, who themselves work here to earn their living.

Now the Task Force has a great challenge on hand to curb these activities taking place in Borim.