Angered by tree-felling, Raia locals protest police station in eco-fragile area
Team Herald
MARGAO: A large group of Raia residents protested near Sonsoddo on Tuesday, condemning recent tree felling and opposing government plans to build a new Maina-Curtorim police station and residential quarters in the area.
The residents claimed that the proposed site is an eco-sensitive zone with diverse biodiversity, including trees, hills, fields, khazan lands, and water bodies, all of which they fear may be lost if the project proceeds.
The locals also claimed that there are attempts to change the zoning of the area to facilitate further constructions in the area. They alleged that there are plans to build roads through this place which could help real estate projects in the future.
Residents recalled their past successes in blocking a garbage dumping proposal and opposing a power station project in the same area. They expressed dismay at not being consulted on the current project, emphasising that tenants live nearby, and farmers rely on the surrounding lands for agriculture. They warned that unchecked development would impact the environment not only in Raia but in nearby villages, noting that water flows from the hills into local water bodies.
The group voiced concern that future generations would bear the consequences of environmental degradation if construction continued.
Activist Zarinha Da Cunha joined the protest, questioning the government’s decision to select such an eco-fragile location. “Was there no alternative site for the new Maina-Curtorim Police station?” she asked. Da Cunha recalled how the Forest Department was trying to carry out mandatory afforestation activity in other States as they could not find adequate land in Goa to plant trees and yet, large-scale tree felling is permitted here.
She added that when locals stand up to protect their environment, the government often uses its machinery, including police, to intimidate protesters.
Hit by ‘wave of construction and hotel projects’, Cavelossim villagers demand master plan
Call for moratorium on large housing projects, want only single-dwelling units for locals to be permitted
Team Herald
MARGAO: Growing opposition to mega projects has put the Cavelossim panchayat under mounting pressure from residents demanding a comprehensive master plan for the village.
This call for strategic planning reflects the community’s concerns about the impact of these projects on their environment and daily lives. The panchayat is now tasked with addressing these issues promptly, ensuring residents’ voices are central to the decision-making process.
Taking the matter seriously, the Cavelossim panchayat has begun involving all stakeholders in discussions.
According to Sarpanch Dixon Vas, the issue will be presented at the upcoming gram sabha following initial discussions within the village-level development committee.
Recently, frustrated by the destruction of sand dunes at Mobor beach, Cavelossim residents voiced their concerns about a wave of construction and hotel projects planned in the tourist village. They are calling for a moratorium on housing projects, advocating only single-dwelling units for local residents.
Speaking to O Heraldo, villager Paul Lobo expressed the community’s desire for a master plan created by the panchayat in collaboration with residents.
“We don’t want any further big projects or unwanted development, as there is no carrying capacity,” Lobo said, highlighting critical issues such as water shortages, garbage management, inadequate power supply, and unresolved infrastructure challenges. He argued that given these challenges, large-scale projects are not feasible.
Lobo emphasised that the first step should be to clearly demarcate village roads and sand dune areas to protect the environment and manage development effectively.
“We are in total shock to see that sand dunes and protected areas, including agricultural lands, are not marked in the Regional Plan 2021. More shockingly, agricultural lands in many areas are labelled as settlement zones,” he claimed, stressing the need for a new Regional Plan that reflects community needs and priorities.
Sarpanch Dixon Vas responded to these concerns, acknowledging that a master plan for the village is urgently needed. “In addition to addressing land issues, we also need to plan for roads and other factors,” he stated.
Vas emphasised that the panchayat is committed to developing a master plan, beginning by involving all stakeholders, including farmers and those in the tourism sector. He further stated that a Regional Plan is essential for advancing the master plan.
“We will discuss this issue at the gram sabha scheduled for the first week of November. The panchayat is fully prepared to engage in dialogue with the villagers to collaboratively develop the master plan,” Vas said.