MARGAO: Extending its support to the villagers opposing the proposed fish meal project at Paryemol-Khola, the members of Gawada-Kunbi-Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) Federation visited the villagers.
Rupesh Velip, General Secretary, GAKUVED stated that it is learnt that the M/s Goan Marine Impex Private Limited has already started the construction work without permission of the Barcem village panchayat.
It is pertinent to note that Paryemol locals are strongly opposed to the project claiming that it will pollute the water bodies and water reservoirs, besides the water in the surrounding areas.
Claiming that their paddy fields will be destroyed due to the project, the locals expressed fear that the waste generated from the fish meal will have adverse impact on the environment and cause air pollution.
GAKUVED Federation member Soiru Velip said, “We have already informed the Barcem Village Panchayat to inform the federation in case it receives any application to start such a project in the said survey number and immediately convene a gram sabha before deciding on the application.”
Tribal leader Rama Kankonkar demanded that the government notify the tribal areas as per the Vth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure tribal villages are protected.
He said that all harmful projects are dumped in tribal areas. If the areas were notified, these villages would have been protected and added that no projects can be started without gram sabha’s permission.
GAKUVED Federation general secretary Rupesh Velip assured to provide all possible support to the villagers and to stand with them whenever required.
He assured to put objections before authorities concerned including the Barcem Village panchayat, Deputy Collector and to Fisheries department to object to such harmful projects.
