Maharashtra to probe claims of outsiders buying farmland illegally near Goa

The complaints relate to alleged illegal purchases of farmland in Sawantwadi and Dodamarg talukas in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, which borders Goa.

In Short

• Complaints focus on Sawantwadi and Dodamarg talukas in Sindhudurg district
• Section 63 allows only farmers to buy agricultural land in Maharashtra
• Officials allege outsiders posed as farmers to purchase border farmland

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday said the state government will conduct an inquiry into complaints that people from outside the state have illegally acquired agricultural land in areas bordering Goa by falsely claiming to be farmers.

He also said complaints had been received about residential plotting on agricultural land without the required zoning permissions. Bawankule said action would be taken after a committee set up by the state government submits its report.

The complaints relate to alleged illegal purchases of farmland in Sawantwadi and Dodamarg talukas in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, which borders Goa.

Speaking to reporters at Manohar International Airport Mopa in Goa, Bawankule said he had been touring the region for the past few days and had received complaints about the alleged land transactions.

"Under Section 63 of the Maharashtra land laws, only a farmer is permitted to purchase agricultural land, while non-farmers cannot acquire it," said the minister, who has recently toured Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.

"The complaint is that people from outside the state have purchased farmers' land by projecting themselves as farmers. We will conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter," he said.

Bawankule said another complaint was about residential plotting being carried out on agricultural land without the required zoning clearance. "Residential plotting cannot be undertaken on agricultural land unless it is first designated as a residential zone. This is also a serious issue," he said.

The minister said the matter had been raised in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, after which an inquiry committee headed by the district collector concerned was formed. He said the panel includes two collectors and other senior officials.

Summing up the state's response, Bawankule said the government would examine complaints of illegal farmland purchases and unauthorised residential plotting in the border areas, and that "appropriate action will be taken after the committee submits its report".

- Ends