PANJIM: Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat, Congress office bearers and St Andre MLA Francis Silveira were amongst hundreds of villagers and activists from various civic and social organisations, who came out to oppose the proposed marina project in Nauxim village.
Sunday’s public meeting to decry the government’s ambitious project was not as usual for the Nauxim villagers as people from other parts of the State thronged to extend their support to the cause.
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The meeting under the banner ‘Goenkar Against Marina’ saw Silveira echoing ‘Marina Naka’ slogan along with the attendees.
Historian and Professor Prajal Sakhardande alleged the project will ultimately lead to privatisation of a part of the coastal belt. He called upon the people to unitedly oppose such projects at Nauxim, Mollem and all those that in reality aim at destroying Goa.
“It is a conspiracy. This marina project is part of that entire chain; and these projects like marina and double tracking, etc are connected. Around 56 kms out of the 105 kms coastal belt will be taken by MPT. The port will get private players. We have to oppose it,” he said seeking support from the Goans.
“We don’t want coal, Mollem projects, etc. We have to unitedly fight it. If the whole of Goa comes on the road, it won’t be a problem to throw such projects out. We will oppose the diversion of Mhadei too. A State-wide andolan has to be launched against the intentions of the government to destroy Goa,” Sakhardande added.
Activist Seby Rodrigues, who has also been in the forefront to oppose controversial projects including irresponsible mining, claimed that industrialists have ‘purchased’ the Centre to allow activities in the State unhindered. Explaining how marina will prove destruction for Goa, Rodrigues sought a sustained campaign to oppose these projects.
He was supported by Arthuro D’Souza, who demanded the government to stop destroying Goa. “Enough is enough. You are destroying Goa. We have to stay united and save Goa,” he added.
The activists also lamented the government for slapping cases against them at police stations or in the court, for opposing any project. They also warned certain sections against attempts to divide the people.
Professor Ramrao Wagh, also in support of Save Nauxim campaign, apprehended that projects like this would clandestinely allow casino operations and star hotels in the village. “There will be casinos and 5-star hotels. The hills, rivers and entire village will be over,” he stated.
Wagh demanded that the local MLA raise the issue in the Goa Legislative Assembly and that a meeting be scheduled with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to ‘properly discuss’ the issue.
“We need a serious meeting with the CM. We will explain to him how harmful the project is for the village and Goa. All government officers and ministers should also visit the village to check the ground reality. The matter should also reach the Assembly. The project should not come to Goa,” he reiterated.
Advocate John Fernandes of GAKUVED, Capt Viriato Fernandes of Goencho Avaaz were among others who addressed the gathering in support of protecting the village and the State from ‘destructive projects.’
Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat alleged that Narendra Modi government is all out to privatise each and everything in India.
He apprehended that MPT will also go in private hands soon. Before that happens, he suggested that MPT’s wings needs to be clipped.
Kamat also promised locals that he will personally come whenever they give a call to protect the identity of Goa.
On the controversial marina project issue, he stated that he has already submitted a letter to Assembly Speaker asking him to summon a Session to discuss the issue.
Kamat said he will call on Governor on Monday and hand over the letter to him seeking to convene the Assembly Session
“Assembly needs to discuss issues concerning environment and identity of Goa. Let people hear views of all 40 MLAs and know their stand on coal, Mollem, Nauxim etc,” he added.
