Ponda Farmers Stand Firm Against Tourism Land Takeover
Seasonal Mollekar farmers from Farmagudi-Bandora in Ponda taluka are raising their voices. They fear losing their traditional livelihood. These monsoon vegetable cultivators have made a direct appeal to the state tourism department. They want the department to stop encroaching on their cultivable land.
Development Threatens Traditional Cultivators
The proposed development of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fortress at Farmagudi is the core issue. Farmers allege this project could negatively impact over ninety traditional cultivators. Virendra Shirodkar leads the Mollekars' organisation, Shrikrishna Bhajipala. He has publicly urged the tourism department to abandon its plans for land acquisition.
"The project has already taken some of our land," Shirodkar stated. The farmers have identified a specific demand from the department. They seek approximately one lakh square meters of land. This area is intended for creating parking facilities for vehicles visiting the renovated historical site.
Generations of Farming at Stake
The farmers provided historical context for their claim. The hilly land in question belongs to the comunidade. However, generations of Mollekars have cultivated it. Their ancestors grew monsoon vegetables on this very land. They built their entire livelihood from this traditional practice. The current cultivators continue this family legacy.
It is important to note their position is not against progress. The farmers clarified they do not oppose the renovation of the fortress itself. Their sole concern is the protection of their cultivable land from any encroachment. They see this as a direct threat to their survival.
Local Governance and Proposed Alternatives
Local representatives are involved in seeking solutions. Bandora panchayat member Sukhanand Kurpaskar pointed to a viable alternative. He noted the tourism department already controls a sizable land parcel. This land is located near the Shree Bal Ganesh Temple, directly opposite the fortress. Kurpaskar suggested this existing area could be effectively used for the required parking, avoiding the need to take farmland.
The Mollekars formally presented their case at a press conference. They gathered at the Bandora village panchayat office on Thursday. Bandora sarpanch Ramchandra Naik stood alongside them during the address.
Awareness and Pending Resolution
Sarpanch Naik confirmed that local authorities are aware of the growing problem. "I and our local MLA, Power Minister Ramkrishna 'Sudin' Dhavalikar, know about this issue," Naik said. He explained that the gram sabha had planned to discuss and pass a formal resolution on the matter.
However, the recent Zilla Parishad elections caused a delay. The meeting could not be held as scheduled. Naik assured the community and the press that the gram sabha would be convened soon. He emphasized the panchayat's commitment. They are dedicated to resolving this critical issue through proper consultation with the government.
The situation remains tense in Ponda. The farmers' plea highlights a classic conflict between development and preservation of traditional agricultural livelihoods. The coming gram sabha meeting will be a crucial next step in this ongoing dispute.
