Groups from Bicholim extend support to Melauli locals, ask govt to shift IIT site

Bicholim/panjim/ponda: A section of the society and political parties from Bicholim have urged the government to shift the controversial IIT project from Melauli.

One such group asked that it be shifted from Sattari to Bicholim. This was from the Bicholim Congress Block with its president Meghasham Raut pointing out that there is space for the project there. 

“There is strong opposition to the project in Shel-Melauli and the government should not force the people and try to force the project on them. Rather, they can think of getting the project to Bicholim where there is open space,” said Raut.

He also suggested the open space at Lakherem, which has been taken over by the Goa Cricket Association (GCA). 

“GCA has about three lakh sq mts of land at Lakherem which is still unused. If the IIT project is brought to Bicholim it will give employment to the youth,” Raut added.

He lamented that there are hardly any developmental or new projects which have come up in Bicholim. He added that if any such type of projects comes to Bicholim, then even the name of the area would figure on the national map.

He further claimed that if the project comes up in Bicholim constituency, it will not be opposed by any party. 

“There won’t be any deforestation in this area as this is a vacant area at Lakherem that too situated adjacent to Bicholim town. The government will not face any difficulties or obstructions to build new roads and other facilities as this being a developed area, situated in the vicinity of the town area, will subsequently lead to further development. Besides it will also benefit small and large industries and businesses in the surrounding area,” said Raut.  

“The Bicholim constituency itself has not developed as of today and hence if this project is brought to Bicholim, it will ultimately help to develop entire Bicholim constituency,” Raut said.  

Dharna held near Shivaji statue 

Meanwhile, the Bharat Mata Ki Jay extended their support to the people of Melauli by organising a dharna near Shivaji statue situated at old bus stand, Bicholim. 

During the hour-long dharna, the agitators demanded that the State government shift the project to another place considering the rising opposition from the people. 

“We do not oppose the project, but if the people of Melauli do not want the IIT project and if it is a question of their agriculture, then the project should be shifted to another place”, said association member Bholanath Gad while addressing the people.

Another member Atmaram Gaonkar demanded that the government should cancel the offenses registered against Melauli villagers and that section 144, which has been imposed should be removed immediately. 

The agitators also condemned the act of policemen for assaulting people on the instructions of the political leaders. Shailesh Fatarpekar, Suresh Parwar, Nitin Malgaonkar, Dhiraj Sawant, Dattaram Harmalkar also expressed similar views. 

When Herald asked if the project could be shifted to specifically to Bicholim, Atmaram Gaonkar dodged the question.

He replied stating that the government should select the land with minimum environmental damage and use uncultivated land.