Goa farmers oppose GAIL gas pipeline

Goan farmers on Wednesday opposed the proposed underground natural gas pipeline from Gokak in Karnataka to Goa during a public hearing.

Nearly 100 farmers coming from three farming talukas protested the project by the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL).

The apprehensive farmers claimed the project will take away ownership of land also as, the farms will be destroyed.

"The pipeline will pass through our farms and houses, which will result in destruction. We cannot afford to lose our only earning business," a 43-year-old farmer from the temple town of Ponda said.

In 2008, when the Dabhol-Bangalore gas pipeline was proposed by GAIL, State power minister Aleixo Sequeira requested the Central ministry to have it extended to Goa. GAIL had approved the project in the same year itself though the ground work began recently amidst opposition.

The project halts villagers from erecting any structures although the cultivation of crops will be possible on the land, officials said.

The authorities had issued notices to villagers of Mormugao, Ponda and Bicholim for public hearing, as the pipeline will traverse the three talukas.

The underground pipeline will begin at Virdi to pass through Maulingem, Curchirem, Carapur, Amona, Tivrem, Khandola, Vargao, Adcon, Boma, Kundaim and Madkai before moving to Mormugao's villages of Sancoale, Pale, Cortalim and Quelossim. The end point will be at Zuari.

Deputy Collector of Land Acquisition Anthony D'Souza assured the villagers that the project is not aiming land acquisition. "The land will continue to remain with the owners. GAIL will lay underground pipeline after which the land will be returned back to respective owners," he said.

The officer, who has been appointed as the competent authority, said he will compile a report of the suggestions and grievances to furnish to the Ministry of Petroleum.

It is learnt from reliable sources that two gas stations will be set up, one each at Curchirem (Bicholim) and Madkai (Ponda) for which 2,500 sq mtrs each of land would be acquired.

"For laying the spur line, authorities have already identified the land and compensation will be paid to owners," he said.