Misuse of 'Gomaala', residents picket MLA

The cattle and domestic animals are denied fodder due to encroachment

The villagers alleged that construction of a school in the village at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore has been proposed and funds were also released in this regard.

It is also alleged that the Backward and minority community welfare department and State residential education societies association is constructing the building without taking permission from the villagers and necessary funds too have been released for the purpose.

The farmers say as the place has been identified as ‘gomaala’,  there is no provision to take up construction works  in the place. As the land is necessary for the village, the farmers gheraoed the MLA and did not allow them to attend the ‘bhoomi puja’.

Though preparations for the ceremony was being done well in advance, the people waited until the elected representatives arrived and staged a protest. The effort of the elected representatives to pacify the villagers by holding a discussion failed as the residents were adamant saying they do not have sufficient space around their houses for letting the cattle for grazing and also to collect fodder. They also said if the available lung space is allowed for construction, there will be no place for other development activities.

The MLA had a tele-conversation with the deputy commissioner and tahsildar. Later, he announced that an alternate place would be identified for the school building and returned after cancelling the programme.