TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CANACONA: Residents of Palolem on Sunday visited the ‘Konko’ island off Palolem coast to have first-hand introspection of alleged destruction of natural resources on the island.
It may be recalled that locals have been vocal in expressing their fears that any development on the ‘Konko’ island could spell doom for the residents of Palolem and many have demanded that the State government should take over the island in the interest of the locals.
On Sunday, several residents gathered at Palolem beach to voice their concern, before taking the print and electronic media to the island to have a first-hand information of the alleged unscrupulous developments which people been voicing concern for the last three months.
Security personnel and labourers working on the island tried to stop the villagers from moving ahead, before stepping aside, as the visitors went about to examine the reported massive destruction of natural resources including cutting and levelling of embankments.
It was observed that a makeshift road is constructed by levelling the land, trees have been cut, two toilets erected, besides, trees have been chopped and rocks have been moved.
Residents said their fear have been proved right and expressed surprise that authorities who reportedly visited the island saw no destructions.
The locals present called for immediate personal visit of Canacona MLA and Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar to have first-hand information and appraise Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in the matter.
Seeing the massive destructions of the island by cutting and levelling, a local, Sanju Pagi, a former president of Akhil Goem Kshetriya Pagi Samaj said, “Government authorities come running if any common man undertakes even minor activities in CRZ areas, but how the authorities are playing deaf and dumb in the massive destruction of eco-sensitive and CRZ regulated ‘Konko’ island is a issue for the government in power.”
Dayanand Pagui, former Canacona Municipal Council deputy chairperson, who led the inspection of the island, said, “Atleast now considering the intention of the ‘Konko’ island owner, it is high time that government moves towards its ‘acquisition.’”
Meanwhile, according to reports, a CRZ team visited ‘Konko’ on Saturday, after a local Ana Maria Fernandes filed a complaint with Environment Minister Alina Saldhana. The CRZ team, which reportedly included personnel from the Forest department, is reported to have returned back after having on the spot assessment and is likely to submit its report to the environment minister.
