Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Goa Forward Party (GFP) Supremo Vijay Sardessai has claimed that people in Canacona are eager for a change in leadership, saying constituents are “fed up” with the same faces representing the constituency for several terms.
Sardessai made the remarks after undertaking a whirlwind tour of the entire Canacona constituency on Sunday under the party’s ‘Zuim Ghanv Tuim Hanv’ initiative. The tour began near the Hanuman Temple in Agonda at around 9.15 am and concluded at Sadolxem in Poinguinim at around 11 pm.
During the tour, Sardessai and GFP workers visited several areas, including Agonda, Chaudi, Shristhal, Bhatpal, Gaondongrim, Khotigao, Loliem, Palolem, Gulem and Poinguinim, and interacted with residents, youth, fishermen, party workers and members of the ST community.
At various meetings, locals reportedly raised concerns over inadequate water supply, irrigation, unemployment, tourism-related issues and lack of recreational infrastructure.
Residents of Gaondongrim and Khotigao highlighted the shortage of water for domestic use and irrigation despite the areas receiving heavy rainfall. Sardessai said the natural beauty of the two villages could be utilised for eco-tourism to create livelihood opportunities for local youth.
He also raised concerns over difficulties faced by fishermen in Palolem who have entered the tourism sector. According to Sardessai, local fishermen are facing restrictions and difficulties in obtaining permissions to operate boat rides and water sports.
Sardessai further criticised the lack of sports and public infrastructure in Canacona, pointing out that the constituency does not have a futsal ground or a walking track.
“The issue is not getting elected thrice or four times, but the inability of the elected representative to solve the people’s problems,” Sardessai said, adding that the issues confronting Canacona have remained unresolved for a long time.
He said the ‘Zuim Ghanv Tuim Hanv’ initiative provides people with an opportunity to voice their grievances and seek solutions. Sardessai claimed that the interactions during his tour indicated that constituents were ready for a change in leadership.
Sardessai also warned against what he termed the entry of a “Delhi lobby” into Canacona, claiming that outside interests could exploit the region’s natural resources and alter its character.
During the tour, he inspected alleged construction activity on Khazan land in the Poinguinim panchayat area and claimed that construction was continuing despite a stop-work order. He said he would raise the issue in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Sardessai also referred to the approval of 45 villas with swimming pools in Loliem-Polem and raised concerns over their potential impact on the environment and ecology of Canacona.
GFP spokesperson Prashant Naik, Vice-President Vikas Bhagat, General Secretary Mohandas Lolienkar, Canacona Block President Umesh Tubki and other party workers and leaders accompanied Sardessai during the tour.
