Access to land denied: Deposition at People's Tribunal

The following deposition was made at the People's Tribunal headed by Justice Hosbet Suresh, a retired High Court judge of Bombay High Court. Tribunal was held on May 30-31, 2009 at Panaji and organized by Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation.

Dropadi Arjun Shirdkar, Goule-Bhat, Chimbel:

Access to her land is denied. On land records – City survey office- her name is recorded as lessee even then government officials cut trees in her land. She has approached mamlatdar for redress but has not received satisfactory response.

Her late husband Arjun Shirodkar was Lessee of Government property situated at Ribandar bearing P.T. Sheet no.17 and chalta No. 2 admeasuring about 12,000 square meters of land since April 1972. After Arjun’s death in 1986 Dropadi is holding this land till date. There are various kinds of cultivations such as Chickoo Jackfriuts, Mangoes, Coconut, Pineapple, Bamboos etc is undertaken. This is a only source of income for her family. She was using gate of Bal Niketan to enter her land. This is now blocked and there is no rightful access to enter her property. This situation has arisen after the Institute of Management at Ribandar has encroached upon agricultural land. Government of Goa too is siding with this institute and asking her to vacate the land.