PANJIM, FEB 2
Thousands of protestors today tried to march on Goa Assembly protesting acquisition of Grand Island and Bimbvel beach by Indian Navy.
However, the protestors led by Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho were stopped at the bridge where they submitted memorandum to the Chief Minister Digamber Kamat demanding to stop the unjustified land acquisition.
On July 9, 2010, Indian Navy had submitted a proposal to acquire land at Bimvel Beach for the naval base – INS Hansa.
In a similar proposal on July 14, 2010 they had also requested for the acquisition of three Islands – Piken Island, Grande (large) Island and Grande (Small) Islands.
The Indian Navy had said that the proposal has been made in order to address the security concerns related to aircraft operations from Naval Air Station at Dabolim.
Talking to reporters, Godinho said that people are anxious about government’s move to hand over the island as traditional fishermen would be affected. “Nearly thousand people from Vasco have gathered here as they don’t want to lose these islands and beaches,” he said.
“All this is purportedly being done in the name of security. The Grand Island is being used by the traditional fishermen as a resting place when they are out at sea. Similarly, tourists emanating from various points in Goa converges on this island for picnics and other sea related activities including fishing and scuba diving,” the memorandum reads.
“Goa government should intervene very strongly and stop this unjustified land acquisition and seek the intervention of the Central government,” it adds.
The traffic snarls were witnessed at Kadamba bus stand as well as on both side of the old bridge with police trying their best to regulate the vehicular flow.
The old bridge was blocked entirely by the protestors, blocking several vehicles on their way to assembly session. After some time police managed to give way for the vehicles partially restoring the traffic.
The memorandum placed to the Chief Minister has also highlighted other demands like protection of the families from eviction at Khariwaddo, Vasco, special category status for Goa, immediate solution to the garbage issue, control over environmental degradation as a consequence of unsustainable mining, clarity on the status of Dabolim airport (to be maintained with international status) after the construction of Mopa airport and legalization of illegal houses on Communidade land.
