Residents of Cotigao village in Canacona are planning to meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to express their dissatisfaction over certain parts of their village being designated as forest areas. During a meeting held on Sunday, several villagers stated that they were unaware that areas such as Monem, Avem, Yeda, Kuskem, Tamnamol, and Nadkem have been marked as forest zones. They fear that this move could adversely impact their livelihoods.
Local leaders voice concerns
Prominent villagers including Manohar Velip, Payak Gaonkar, and Shubham Komarpant attended the meeting. The village, which has a population of over 1,700 and approximately 400 houses, relies heavily on farming and horticulture plantations, particularly cashew cultivation. The residents are worried that the forest demarcation could restrict their access to these lands.
Pending cases under Forest Rights Act
Several cases related to land rights are currently pending under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act. Velip stated that they will request the Chief Minister to expedite the disposal of these cases. The villagers hope that a meeting with the CM will lead to a resolution that safeguards their traditional rights and livelihoods.
