Nearly 350 families who were displaced by the devastating landslide at Bharatline, Bogda, in 1999 are set to receive long-awaited relief. The Goa Rehabilitation Board (GRB) has agreed to grant them tenement rights at the GRB colony located in Headland–Sada. This decision was announced by GRB member Rajesh Faldessai during a meeting-cum-interaction with the colony residents, which was organized by Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar.
Key Details of the Decision
Faldessai stated that legal owners of the tenements will be issued ownership documents upon payment of a nominal fee of Rs 1,000 per tenement. The entire process of transferring ownership is expected to be completed within a month. This move comes as a significant step toward providing formal recognition to families who have resided in the colony without formal ownership rights since the tragic event.
Background of the Displacement
The families were originally relocated to the GRB colony following the 1999 landslide, which rendered their homes uninhabitable. For over two decades, they have lived in the colony without official documentation, leading to uncertainty and insecurity regarding their housing.
Role of Local Leadership
MLA Sankalp Amonkar highlighted that the resolution was made possible through the intervention of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. He emphasized the collaborative efforts between the state government and the rehabilitation board to address the longstanding issue. The meeting served as a platform to address residents' concerns and outline the steps for the documentation process.
This development brings closure to a chapter of uncertainty for the affected families, ensuring they now have legal rights to their homes. The GRB's decision marks a milestone in the rehabilitation of disaster-affected communities in Goa.
