FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
Augusto Rodrigues
SIOLIM: Around forty-odd protesters, marched with candles of anger and solidarity in Siolim over what they alleged was the wanton and random cutting of old trees in the village “to appease the builder's lobby”.
The candlelight meeting brought into focus the unease with which locals are witnessing development done within the ambit of a Regional Plan that they rejected.
“After we rejected the Regional Plan and asked that one suitable to our village be drawn, builders are still being given permission based on the rejected plan. This is the time for all of us to stand united,” pleaded Fatima Fernandes from Marna.
Faces of different hues of India could be seen from the candle lights with outsiders and even foreigners joining the protest. “Development means a better life and that should be the focus of our elected representatives,” observed Nisha Mary Poulose, an urban planner.
Trees along the road in Siolim have been cut for the last six days taking residents by surprise and leaving some alarmed.
“The Land Acquisition Office is not involved; the Forest Department has not issued permission," said Irwin Fonseca, as the candles being lit, grew.
“Tree cutting stopped today, after many days after our first protest candlelight meeting yesterday and we will continue every day till the work is stopped,” warned Fonseca.
The protesters turned their ire against Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo.
“Without any government permission, he is trying to bulldoze his way by cutting trees in the name of widening the road without taking us into confidence. He is not our MLA. We elected his wife and not him,” said Fonseca.
“If they are interested in development, it should be done around trees and not by cutting trees. If the need for road widening is genuine then the need for pavements is more important. This tree cutting is for mega projects,” alleged Avertano Miranda.
When contacted, Siolim MLA, Delilah Lobo said, “I cannot hear what you are saying. I am in a meeting. Can you WhatsApp your question?” But there was no response to the questions sent through WhatsApp.
“Our MLA said that the work is in the hands of the PWD and hence she is unaware of the details. However, she was not able to justify the presence of the Calangute MLA in the village where the work is going on,” quipped Dariel Rodrigues, who claimed to be part of a delegation that met the MLA on Wednesday.
“We have to protect our environment and therefore we have decided to meet every day from 8 pm to ten pm. I urge all people who have come today to come tomorrow too because numbers will set the government thinking,” reasoned Miranda.
“People died during COVID due to lack of oxygen and here you are cutting trees that give us oxygen,” said Anthony D’Souza, a senior citizen.
As the night grew older and the number of protesters brought vehicles to a halt, the sentiment of Goa’s renowned cartoonist Alexyz Fernandes sent a chilling message - “don’t take us for granted.”
