Team Herald
MARGAO: There was an uproar in Virabhat ward of Curtorim village with people of all age groups gathering in large numbers to protest the installation of a mobile tower.
Concerned about the possible health hazard, locals from adjoining wards also came forward to support the Virabhat villagers and they have all unitedly vowed to oppose the tower, which has been proposed on government school land.
While resident Anthony Peixoto warned that the villagers would block the site and protest loudly if work on the tower resumes, another villager Savio Fernandes said the locals had signed a petition, which they had submitted to the Curtorim panchayat and the MLA. “Where will the students play if the school grounds are used to accommodate a mobile tower,” they asked.
Another local Mickey Colaco pointed out that the tower was being installed in the close vicinity of houses, as well as a balwadi.
Activist Franky Gomes questioned the involvement of the elected representatives in getting the tower installed in Curtorim, be it the MLA, MP, panch member or Zilla Panch member. “Why can’t the authorities shift the tower to the top of a hill nearby instead of this densely-populated residential area,” questioned Gomes.
