Panaji, Feb 17 (TNN): The work of reinstating boundary marks in agricultural fields in the mining-affected village of Shirgao has begun. The directorate of settlement and land records has awarded a work order to Shrishail S Totad on February 7 to supply and fix boundary pillars for the fields. The high court, last year, had directed the directorate of settlement and land records and mining companies to demarcate paddy fields of the villagers in Shirgao which were submerged in mining silt over several years. On January 10, this year, the court issued further directions in the matter.

Villagers, represented by Goa Foundation, have been demanding restoration of their fields so that they can commence with paddy cultivation during the monsoon. In cases where old demarcations cannot be traced, the contractor is required to identify them as per the map and demarcate them. According to the work order issued, the contractor is expected to complete the work within 15 days.

The director of settlement and land records, Vikas Gaunekar, informed the high court that the contractor has already commenced the work and assured that it would be completed within the stipulated time of 15 days. The RCC boundary pillars with rubble, once fixed, are required to be whitewashed with serial numbers mentioned.

The high court, in its January 10 order, directed that work be commenced within a week starting from January 14 but work to this effect couldn't begin earlier as the lowest among three bidders quoted Rs 2,500 per boundary pillar which was five times higher than the Goa Schedule of Rates (GSR) of the public works department. This amount was also exceeding the amount deposited by mining companies for the procuring and laying boundary pillars.

The government then called for fresh quotations and awarded the work of supplying and fixing 250 boundary pillars to Shrishail S Totad, Taleigao for Rs 1.08 lakh plus GST. On May 29, last year, a meeting was convened at the chamber of secretary (revenue), wherein directions were given to mining companies to deposit money for procuring and laying boundary pillars in a demarcated area in Shirgao.