PANJIM: The NGO Chimbel Manch held a protest against the proposed felling of 31 odd teak trees to make way for a Demonstration Housing Project (DHP) in Chimbel.
It may be recalled that the local residents and others had already done peaceful protest twice last month for saving the trees at the project site. At the protest, the NGO urged the State government to shift the project to an alternate place. The project under PMAY-HFA (U) has been initiated by Institute of Public Assistance (IPA) – Provedoria in coordination with Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA).
The NGO further pointed out that the project could come up at the alternative site in the area where there is a 40-year-old unused building structure that has been deemed as unfit.
Locals have repeatedly suggested that the old building, which was the former old age home, could be demolished or removed to pave the way for setting up this new housing project.
While youngsters had organised a Chipko movement, wherein they had hugged the trees, heritage enthusiasts have also been protesting against this new project, as they fear it will damage the State protected ruins of the Church and Convent of Mount Carmel. St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes had assured that the heritage site would not be affected.
