Goa Government has expedited the long-pending compensation process for farmers and claimants of Surla, Bicholim, whose agricultural land was affected by mining-related siltation. Under the intervention of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, claims covering 93 beneficiaries have been processed for compensation totalling ₹2.90 crore. The beneficiaries will receive the amount through RTGS after completion of necessary formalities.
Surla Farmers Set to Receive Long-Pending Compensation
The Goa Government has taken a significant step towards resolving a long-pending compensation matter involving farmers and families of Surla village in Bicholim, with compensation worth ₹2.90 crore now processed for eligible beneficiaries.
The compensation relates to agricultural crop loss and damage caused by mining-related siltation, an issue that had remained pending for several years despite directions from the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay at Goa.
Chief Minister and Minister for Mines and Geology Dr. Pramod Sawant took specific interest in expediting the matter and directed focused follow-up to ensure that eligible claimants could complete the necessary formalities.
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₹2.90 Crore Processed for 93 Beneficiaries
As part of the latest exercise, compensation has been processed for 66 claim entries or beneficiary groups, covering 93 individual beneficiaries/persons.
The total compensation amount stands at ₹2,90,53,124, which will be disbursed through RTGS after the completion of the required formalities.
The development provides a major push towards settling claims that had remained unresolved due to issues including documentation, legal heirship and verification of entitlement.
Facilitation Camp Brought Administration Closer to Surla
To accelerate the process, the Office of the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bicholim, functioning as Court Commissioner, organised a three-day Facilitation Camp at Government High School, Tarmatha Bhile, Surla, from May 20 to May 22, 2026.
The camp helped affected farmers, occupants, owners and legal heirs submit documents, clarify requirements and complete the formalities needed for processing their claims.
The exercise covered beneficiaries associated with nearly 300 survey sub-divisions.
The claim list represented approximately 16,60,810 square metres of land, equivalent to around 166.08 hectares.
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High Court Directions and Government Follow-Up
The compensation matter originated from Writ Petition No. 443 of 2004 before the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay at Goa. The court had recognised the grievances of affected farmers and issued directions concerning compensation for eligible occupants and owners whose agricultural areas had been affected.
A total of ₹3.40 crore had earlier been deposited pursuant to the High Court’s directions for payment to affected farmers and claimants.
However, compensation for several beneficiaries remained pending for years as authorities worked through documentation, legal heirship and entitlement-related matters.
The recent facilitation and scrutiny process has helped move these claims towards resolution.
Goa Government Focuses on Resolving Long-Pending Farmer Issues
The Surla compensation initiative highlights the Goa Government’s focus on taking administration closer to citizens, particularly in cases where genuine beneficiaries have waited for years for financial relief.
The involvement of the Chief Minister and the expedited scrutiny process have helped bring greater momentum to the compensation exercise.
The cooperation of the Village Panchayat Surla, Government High School, Tarmatha Bhile, Mamlatdar and Joint Mamlatdar officials, revenue staff, local representatives and residents of Surla has also supported the process.
With the processed compensation now moving towards disbursement, the initiative marks an important step for the affected farmers and families of Surla and reinforces the government’s commitment to addressing long-pending public issues with sensitivity, transparency and resolve.
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