Team Herald
MARGAO: Residents of Benaulim staged a protest on Friday and decided not to allow the installation of a 5G mobile tower citing environmental concerns.
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Police and the mamlatdar had to intervene to maintain law and order after objections were raised by locals who were backed by Benaulim panch David Fernandes and Warren Alemao.
Fernandes highlighted the longstanding opposition to the project and recent developments, noting that the panchayat had issued a stop-work order, and the District Collectorate had served a notice against the installation. “Despite these measures, the work continued at an alarming pace,” he said, adding that concerns about environmental damage had been repeatedly ignored.
Elderly women at the site expressed their frustration, stating that when they initially raised objections, they were dismissed on the grounds that the project had obtained clearances from higher authorities.
Warren Alemao hit out at the authorities stating, “I will stand by the residents of Pitalim, Mazilwaddo in Benaulim as we fight against development that destroys our environment.”
“Under the guise of plantation, the company began installing this 5G mobile tower. This reckless act included landfilling fields, cutting down a 100-year-old tree, and causing irreparable harm to our natural heritage. We acted immediately and alerted the mamlatdar and police to halt this unlawful activity. This fight isn’t over. We will ensure this tower is removed and protect our land from such violations. Our environment is our responsibility,” Alemao added.
