Team Herald
VASCO: The Captain of Ports (CoP) Department started the restoration of over 4,000 square metres of “illegally reclaimed” jetty land at Chicalim Bay.
The land, which was “unlawfully reclaimed” by M/s Abhishek Engineers Pvt Ltd, will now be returned to its original State government after a 15-year-long battle by the Chicalim Villagers Action Committee (CVAC).
On Wednesday, a joint inspection was carried out by officials from the Captain of Ports, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Goa State Biodiversity Board, DRDA South, and local stakeholders, including CVAC President Cyril Fernandes and general secretary Rui M Da Costa Araujo, to assess the progress of the restoration work.
Reacting to the developments, Rui M Da Costa Araujo said that years of relentless efforts had finally borne fruits. “This 15-year fight for justice has ended in victory. It is truly gratifying to see the restoration work in progress,” he said.
Cyril Fernandes welcomed the development and urged government authorities to adopt a scientific approach in executing the restoration work.
“While this is a significant achievement, the Captain of Ports and DRDA must ensure that scientific methods are applied to restore the land effectively. A detailed scope of work should be prepared and strictly followed,” Fernandes said.
Fernandes dedicated the success to the residents of Chicalim, Dabolim and Sao Jacinto, and thanked CVAC members for their unwavering dedication and support over the years.
Panchayat suspends trade licence of violator
In another development, the Chicalim Village Panchayat suspended the trade licence of M/s Abhishek Engineers Pvt Ltd for illegally reclaiming land from the Zuari River at Chicalim Bay.
The Panchayat in its order dated March 4 has stated that the trade licence will remain suspended until the Captain of Ports certifies that the illegally reclaimed land has been fully restored to its original condition.
Environmentalists and locals had long raised concerns over the damage caused by the unauthorised reclamation, which was blatantly carried out by M/s Abhishek Engineers Pvt Ltd from 2010 onwards.
Reacting to it, CVAC president Cyril Fernandes said that the panchayat’s decision will send a strong message against illegal land reclamation. “We hope this step will pave the way for sustainable development while preserving Goa’s natural heritage,” he said.