CALANGUTE: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and ex-MLA Agnelo Fernandes sat shoulder to shoulder sharing the stage to oppose the Heli-joy rides of Goa Tourism at Sinquerim plateau along with a large number of people who had gathered in front of St Lawrence Church, Sinquerim on Sunday.
Criticizing his own government, Michael Lobo said: “The permission for Heli-joy rides were given in the year 2011 during Congress rule without the knowledge of then MLA of Calangute Agnelo Fernandes which is taken forward now by my own government which I wasn’t aware. The Sinquerim plateau is a heritage site and full of flora and fauna which has to be protected at all costs. The Goa Tourism says that they want the project to increase the tourists, but at what cost and whose benefit? The Tourism should benefit the Goans and not outsiders. I will back and support you people to protect the heritage site and stop any developments in the protected site.”
Congress Spokesperson Sunil Kaithankar said that saving the plateau is entirely in the hands of the people as the present BJP government is only interested in promoting huge projects through Investment Promotion Board or Eco-tourism less caring for Goa and Goans. Sinquerim is the only plateau left while the one at Calangute is being converted into Garbage Treatment Plant.
Adv Yatish Naik, Congress general secretary, said, “The present BJP Govt is very insensitive to the feelings of Goans and is willing to go to any extent to approve the projects which they want. However, we Goans are very alert and ready to save and protect Goa even at the cost of our lives. I assure you our support in your fight to save and protect the heritage site.”
Former MLA of Calangute Agnelo Fernandes took a dig at Calangute MLA Michael Lobo saying, “I hope the MLA of Calangute does not make a U-turn of his assurance to the people of Sinquerim over his support to protect the heritage site like the way he has done over the PDA issue. If you are really with the people then why didn’t you raise the matter in assembly?”
Many others including Dr Joe D’Souza and Ms Fatima Rodriguez addressed the gathering while Sinquerim Parish Priest Fr Rodney offered initial prayers and sought support and cooperation of everyone to save the protected site.
