While they have decided to protest the company’s high-handedness in installing the tower without any NOC, former Calangute leaders have claimed that the tower has come up with the blessing of Calangute MLA Michael Lobo.
Nagoa locals have stated that the foundation for the tower was laid a few days ago and that the project supervisor had told them it was for a lamp tower. The locals did not object, as the light tower would have illuminated the area near the Nagoa circle. They have objected to the installation of the mobile tower as it could pose a threat to their lives.
“I was shocked to see the mobile tower in the morning as the other day, when some labourers were questioned, they had said lights would be put up at the spot. We will not rest until it is removed by the company ,” said a local.
Former MLA Agnelo Fernandes criticised MLA Lobo for forcing illegal projects on the people in the guise of development. Ex-sarpanch Mahesh Korgaonkarclaimed that the tower has been put up on the directives of Lobo and the panchayat has not issued any NOC.
When contacted Lobo said, “The Reliance team did approach me but I have no interest in the tower put up by them. If the villagers are against it then it will be removed.”
