PANJIM: Anti-IT Park campaigners have hinted at approaching the court to stall the proposed project in the village if the State government fails to hold an elaborate discussion with the villagers on the issue.
Noted environmentalist Claude Alvares has challenged IT Minister Rohan Khaunte for a debate or face retaliation that could be in the form of a stay imposed by the court. “When the proposed Mopa airport spread over 80 acres could be challenged then it will not be difficult to stop this nonsense (referring to IT Park in Chimbel) if the government does not want to hold discussion with us,” he said while addressing a press conference under the banner ‘Solidarity To Save Chimbel Lake’ – comprising of locals, environmentalists and socio-environmental organizations, on Monday.
He alleged that IT Minister is ‘afraid’ to hold public discussion as the project will cater to outsiders and not Goans. “The people of Chimbel are kept away from any presentation of the IT Park. Why did the minister have a meeting with only selected few and not the Chimbel villagers? He is avoiding discussion because he is afraid that he won’t be able to convince the villages,” the environmental activist alleged.
Giving a last opportunity to the minister for a discussion, the group has decided to write to Khaunte to conduct ‘an open and fair debate on the proposed IT Park project with the people of Chimbel and the activists at a place, date and time convenient to him.’ “This is the last invitation. If he does not respond then don’t blame us,” Alvares warned.
While condemning the recent incidents of the burning of vegetation in the proposed site, the group has also lamented the attack on anti-IT agitators. Even as the IT Minister has demanded strict action against the attackers on the locals, the group demanded FIR and arrest of the minister for the violence.
