A day after O Heraldo reported the Loliem-Pollem Comunidade’s decision (‘Landmark deal paves way for Goa’s first ever Film City’) to move forward with the Film City project on the Bhagwati Plateau — and the way Comunidade President Vishwajit Varik downplayed local resistance — residents of Loliem and other concerned citizens of Canacona have renewed their opposition and pledged to intensify their campaign against the project.
Local resident Prashant Pagi pointed out that “the number of residents opposing the project is over ten times greater than the membership of the Loliem Comunidade. Not all Comunidade members were present at the meeting where resolutions supporting the projects were passed, making the active group far smaller than the larger resident population.”
He added that the Comunidade acts as a custodian, not the owner of the land, and that its decisions impact the entire village. "The views of the villagers and Canacona residents must be taken into account," he said.
Several environmental activists have joined the protest, backing local efforts to stop the project.
The villagers recalled that they had earlier passed unanimous gram sabha resolutions against the project, protested during past comunidade meetings, and submitted letters to authorities voicing their opposition.
A signature campaign has now been launched and is reportedly receiving strong support. Villagers said they would soon hold ward-level meetings as well meetings with activists before finalising their next steps.
They clarified that their opposition is rooted in a desire to protect the environment and the ecologically sensitive plateau and questioned how this has been dismissed as ‘vested interests’ by the Comunidade President.
They also noted that they had successfully resisted the proposed IIT project, which was also slated for comunidade land a couple of years ago, and are presently also opposing other resolutions passed by the Comunidade last week regarding additional developments on the plateau.
Denis Fernandes, president of the Loliem Citizens’ Committee, and other local leaders have pledged to continue the resistance through grassroots mobilisation and legal action. "We are prepared for a tough and united fight — on the ground, in the media, and in the courts — to save our plateau and protect our village from this reckless and unjust development," he said.
Locals argue that the Bhagwati Plateau is a vital water recharge zone that replenishes wells, fields and rivers in the lower-lying villages. They warn that construction activity would disrupt the natural absorption of rainwater, leading to unchecked surface runoff directly into the sea.
The Save Mollem Group, which has extended support to the villagers, described the plateau as "a crucial biodiversity hotspot, holding reservoirs of our water bodies, housing endemic plant species, and unique micro-habitats."
The group quoted scientists who claim that Goa’s plateaus host more endemic plant species than even forested areas. The plateau also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, they said, serving as a sacred space for tiger worship and the site of a temple revered by local residents.
Opponents warn that the project would result in large-scale deforestation and loss of green cover, causing higher local temperatures and drying up water sources. They also fear the project would trigger a demographic shift due to a massive influx of migrant labour, disturbing the existing social and cultural fabric.
Residents expressed concern that this population pressure would lead to demands for wider roads and urban infrastructure, potentially requiring demolition of village homes. Many view this as a threat to ancestral properties and their traditional way of life.
Environmental groups also highlighted risks of pollution from temporary film sets and commercial construction, arguing that this would generate non-biodegradable waste.
The opposition has strongly condemned the silence of the Loliem panchayat body and referred to past gram sabha resolutions that had reflected the united stand of villagers against such proposals.
They also urged the local MLA to respect the sentiments of the people and uphold the gram sabha’s decision. "Voters will not forget if elected representatives choose to prioritise political interests over the voice of the people," a resident said.
The growing resistance movement has gathered momentum, with organisers reporting broad support from environmental activists, NGOs, and concerned citizens across Goa. Support has also come from people in neighbouring panchayats and constituencies who have extended solidarity with the cause.
The villagers recalled that they had earlier passed unanimous gram sabha resolutions against the project, protested during past comunidade meetings, and submitted letters to authorities voicing their opposition.
A signature campaign has now been launched and is reportedly receiving strong support. Villagers said they would soon hold ward-level meetings as well meetings with activists before finalising their next steps.
They clarified that their opposition is rooted in a desire to protect the environment and the ecologically sensitive plateau and questioned how this has been dismissed as ‘vested interests’ by the Comunidade President.
They also noted that they had successfully resisted the proposed IIT project, which was also slated for comunidade land a couple of years ago, and are presently also opposing other resolutions passed by the Comunidade last week regarding additional developments on the plateau.
Denis Fernandes, president of the Loliem Citizens’ Committee, and other local leaders have pledged to continue the resistance through grassroots mobilisation and legal action. "We are prepared for a tough and united fight — on the ground, in the media, and in the courts — to save our plateau and protect our village from this reckless and unjust development," he said.
Locals argue that the Bhagwati Plateau is a vital water recharge zone that replenishes wells, fields and rivers in the lower-lying villages. They warn that construction activity would disrupt the natural absorption of rainwater, leading to unchecked surface runoff directly into the sea.
The Save Mollem Group, which has extended support to the villagers, described the plateau as "a crucial biodiversity hotspot, holding reservoirs of our water bodies, housing endemic plant species, and unique micro-habitats."
The group quoted scientists who claim that Goa’s plateaus host more endemic plant species than even forested areas. The plateau also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, they said, serving as a sacred space for tiger worship and the site of a temple revered by local residents.
Opponents warn that the project would result in large-scale deforestation and loss of green cover, causing higher local temperatures and drying up water sources. They also fear the project would trigger a demographic shift due to a massive influx of migrant labour, disturbing the existing social and cultural fabric.
Residents expressed concern that this population pressure would lead to demands for wider roads and urban infrastructure, potentially requiring demolition of village homes. Many view this as a threat to ancestral properties and their traditional way of life.
Environmental groups also highlighted risks of pollution from temporary film sets and commercial construction, arguing that this would generate non-biodegradable waste.
The opposition has strongly condemned the silence of the Loliem panchayat body and referred to past gram sabha resolutions that had reflected the united stand of villagers against such proposals.
They also urged the local MLA to respect the sentiments of the people and uphold the gram sabha’s decision. "Voters will not forget if elected representatives choose to prioritise political interests over the voice of the people," a resident said.
The growing resistance movement has gathered momentum, with organisers reporting broad support from environmental activists, NGOs, and concerned citizens across Goa. Support has also come from people in neighbouring panchayats and constituencies who have extended solidarity with the cause.