PERNEM: The proposed theme park project in Pernem taluka is facing strong opposition from active locals in the area. The State government has granted permission to Pune-based real estate firm BramhaCorp to establish a theme park in Pernem, intending to occupy 97,224 sq mtrs of private land.
Voicing their objections, residents concerned of Pernem emphasised their opposition to the project, citing potential environmental harm and lack of benefits for the local population.
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“We are not against development, but it must be sustainable. The theme park project will require significant amounts of power and water. Given the existing scarcity of these resources in the State, diverting them to this project is unacceptable. If the project goes against the interests of the people, we strongly object,” one resident said.
Bhaskar Narulkar appealed to the government, urging them to avoid projects that harm the environment in Pernem.
He emphasised on the importance of obtaining consent from the local population before proceeding with the project.
“Locals should be informed about the project’s pros and cons, and then they can decide whether they want this project or not. The government should not impose it on the people of Pernem.”
Another resident expressed frustration with the government’s approach, stating, “Time and again, the government has deceived the people of Pernem with false promises, using the guise of development, jobs, and business. The government should not force this project upon us. It should stop taking the people of Pernem for granted. We will stand united and fight against this project.”
Adv Jitendra Gaonkar accused the government of misleading the public and criticised their use of the Investment Promotion Board (IPB) to facilitate projects in Goa.
“The government has enticed people with promises of jobs, compensation, and business. Land was acquired for the airport and link road, causing suffering for the people. Now, they are misusing the IPB to attract capitalists for their projects. This project faced opposition at two different locations in Goa before they decided to bring it here.”
Bharat Bagkar, president of the Pernem Citizens Committee, raised questions about the project’s impact.
