Team Herald
CALANGUTE: Residents of Candolim, backed by the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) and concerned citizens from the surrounding areas, have strongly opposed the state government’s decision to allow the commercial development of Sinquerim Hill.
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At a public awareness meeting held in Candolim on Wednesday, the CCF highlighted details of a supplementary lease agreement dated August 13, 2024, granting Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) permission to develop a five-star project on 3,00,000 sq mtr of land in survey no. 96/0 of Candolim village. IHCL is the company that operates the Taj Group of hotels, which already operates two massive luxury resortsin Candolim- Sinquerim. The lease, valued at Rs 62.25 crore, extends for 50 years, with an option for renewal for another 24 years on mutually agreed terms.
Concerned villagers signed a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, expressing fears that the project would lead to large-scale environmental degradation. “Sinquerim Hill is not only a treasure trove of old heritage monuments but also a crucial ecological zone that maintains the village’s environmental balance,” the letter stated. The villagers argue that allowing commercial activity in this area would threaten biodiversity and disrupt the ecological stability of Candolim. Instead, they have proposed an alternative vision: the development of a world-class botanical garden. This, they say, would serve as a sustainable tourist attraction while preserving the historical and natural heritage of Sinquerim Hill.
Emphasizing the need for responsible development, they urged the government to prioritise environmental and community welfare over commercial interests.
As part of their continued opposition, the villagers have vowed to strengthen the “Save Sinquerim Hill for the Next Generation” movement with the support of the people of Calangute constituency and the wider Goan community.
