Times News NetworkVasco: Villagers of Velsao on Wednesday protested after Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) began double-tracking work even though a pending review meeting and joint site survey have not been held. Residents fear the work will block the only motorable right of way (RoW) serving over 20 traditional houses, potentially leaving families landlocked. Villagers, along with NGO Goencho Ekvott, stopped the dumping of additional material at the site.Goencho Ekvott convener and social activist Orville Rodrigues said the RoW dispute was discussed at a June 19 meeting convened by the Mormugao deputy collector and sub-divisional magistrate. At that meeting, RVNL was directed to submit land records, title documents and a plan to ensure uninterrupted access for residents. A joint site inspection by the inspector of survey and land records (ISLR) was also ordered before the next hearing.Rodrigues said a follow-up meeting fixed for July 10 was postponed, and the ISLR survey is pending. He alleged the stretch has been used as a traditional RoW for generations, with no acquisition. Locals said landowners have filed titles, while the Railways has produced none.
One of the canals to the tributary of the Sal river towards Mollo, Pale, was also used as a right of way for generations
