Team Herald
CALANGUTE: Residents of Candolim, Calangute and other nearby coastal areas thronged in large numbers to attend a public awareness meeting on Wednesday evening at St Lawrence Church on Sinquerim Hill and resolved to oppose any commercial development including a proposed starred hotel by a prominent hotel group and a bungalow being built by celebrity in the CRZ no-development zone.
During the meeting, members of the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) presented a video showcasing the ongoing constructions on the Sinquerim plateau and hillside. The CCF has spearheaded the campaign against the development of Sinquerim Hill.
Residents also formed a human chain by linking hands in solidarity. A resolution was adopted stating that no government or private agency should be allowed to survey the land in Survey No. 96/0. “We have unanimously resolved to oppose this project for as long as we are here,” the assembly declared. Another resolution called for the filing of a petition against the construction in the CRZ no-development zone at Sinquerim by a Bollywood superstar.
The video presentation, made by CCF President Premanand Divkar, highlighted several construction projects where orchard land has been converted into settlement areas. Various documents were also displayed during the presentation.
Divkar also pointed out that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for protecting Aguada Fort, had attempted to build an illegal structure. “The construction was halted following a CCF petition filed in the High Court. Parts of the fort are deteriorating due to the ASI’s negligence,” said Divkar.