TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The State government has rejected the proposal made by the Indian Navy for acquisition of land at Bimbel and the Grande Island, Revenue Minister Francis D’Souza informed the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
The minister said that there was a proposal from the naval authorities to acquire the Grande island and land at Bimbel beach owing to the threat to aviation from terrorists. “But both the proposals have been rejected,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister was replying to the calling attention motion moved by Congress MLA Mauvin Godinho who pointed out that the villagers of Chicolna-Bogmalo are been denied access to Grande Island by the Navy, to have their annual litany at the Cross located on the island.
He said that the island is also been used by traditional fishermen to rest, during their fishing expedition. It is also used by fishermen to take refuge when the weather is rough. Godinho said that naval authorities are asking for permissions to have access to the island.
While clarifying the defence forces are outside the purview of the State government, D’Souza assured the House that they would resolve the issue in consultation with the Navy.
“Armed forces have their own security concerns, where we have no control. But will call them for a meeting and work out a solution,” he said.
D’Souza said that government is already seized of the matter and Collector South is inquiring into the issue, whereby decision will be taken in larger interest of the state, wherein the safety and sentiments of the locals would be taken into consideration.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that naval base is occupying one part of Island having an area of 1.36 lakh sq mtrs of village Sao Jorge Island, where the Cross is located.
He said that on inquiry with commanding officer, it was informed that the permission is insisted upon by the Navy in view of security.
“It was denied by Navy that the authorities are harassing the local people. They said that the permissions are being granted as and when locals approach them to visit the island,” D’Souza said.
Godinho, not very satisfied with the answer said, that access is being denied on government as well as private land, which needs to be stopped immediately.
According to records, state government owns land of 2.78 lakh sqm and there is a private property of 5.28 lakh sqm on the island.
