Rs 65 lakh compensation sanctioned to Surla farmers

Bicholim: A compensation of Rs 65 lakh has been sanctioned to the farmers affected by pollution of various mining companies in Surla village in Bicholim taluka. This was informed by deputy collector Sachin Desai.

It may be recalled that in the year 2004, farmers from Surla village had filed a complaint in the high court against seven mining companies functioning in Surla village for destroying their farms and for causing pollution. In the year 2009, the court had given verdict in favour of the farmers stating that mining companies are supposed to compensate farmers for the loss of agricultural farms and for causing pollution. As per this verdict Rs 3.40 crore were sanctioned to around 761 farmers. Soon after this verdict, the then deputy collector, Arvind Bugde had distributed Rs 16 lakh to 34 farmers after verifying the authenticity of their documents and remaining amount was retained in the High Court. Today, that amount has risen to Rs 7 crore 89.5 lakh.

The deputy collector, Sachin Desai informed that the farmers, who have completed the legal endorsement, have been given Rs 65 lakh. He said that the remaining applications of the farmers are also in the process and they will be compensated once the process of checking authenticity of documents is completed.

Meanwhile, he has called upon farmers to raise objections, if any, within 30 days. He said if the objection is not raised the amount will be transferred to farmers accounts.