PRATIK PARAB
pratik@herald-goa.com
SANCOALE: The public outcry against mega projects in Goa is falling on deaf ears as land after land is getting converted for big-ticket projects and holiday homes for the rich across the country.
The Bhutani Infra project in Sancoale is a 700-villa project with independent swimming pools and big-ticket amenities.
According to locals, bouncers and police were roped in recently to start the work of the project. Villagers want the project to be completely stopped. But sadly, the police were seen directing the people towards the Mamlatdar of the taluka.
Villagers have alleged that the said area was identified as a private forest by the Araujo Committee Report and the same has been illegally converted into C-1 Zone. The locals have alleged that there is no access road of 10 metres available for the property on-site.
The locals have also alleged that massive tree felling was noticed at the site inspection of the property, without any permission from the Forest Department. Locals have informed that even before the heat on the project could die down, the developer has gone ahead and cut over 50 trees that are on a slope.
Concerns have also been raised that this mega-housing project could result in severe water, electricity and sewage problems in the village of Sancoale and the Cortalim Constituency.
Activist Xencor Polji in a special prayer to the local deity, aimed at protecting Goa on the backdrop of the Bhutani Project, said, “O Lord, everywhere non-Goan builders are coming and cutting hills everywhere. I am in your area today. I have come here to ask you and tell you, what is happening to my Goa?”
GPCC Vice President Sunil Kawthankar has expressed serious concerns over the proposed Bhutani Project in Sancoale, warning that it could lead to massive environmental destruction, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water depletion.
Reacting to the Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane’s statement that there is no complaint against the Bhutani Infra project, Congress leader from Sancoale, Peter D’souza showed a complaint that was filed by the Cortalim MLA as well the people’s complaint filed in June
Activist Narayan Naik from Sancoale has demanded an answer from Minister Mauvin Godinho. “Minister Godinho started his political career from this place. He passes from here daily. Now he doesn't even have the desire to look at the problems of this place,” he said.