Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Tension surfaced in Chimbel after residents gathered to oppose the alleged obstruction of a long-used route leading to Toyyar lake, saying the closure has affected public access to an important local water body.
The protest has also revived concerns over development activity in the vicinity of the lake. Residents and activists said construction in the area could have consequences for the lake’s drainage pattern and the surrounding natural environment.
The protesters maintained that infrastructure and construction projects should not restrict access to community resources or compromise environmentally sensitive areas.
Environmental activist and Chimbel tribal leader Govind Shirodkar said Toyyar lake has significance for both local biodiversity and the area’s water needs. He alleged that the traditional approach to the lake, used by residents for several decades, had been blocked following construction-related activity.
According to Shirodkar, the route was regularly used by local residents, students, researchers and water tankers. He claimed that stones, laterite blocks and construction waste had been placed along the route, making passage difficult.
He further alleged that work connected with a BJP office in the vicinity had resulted in the main access road to the notified lake being blocked.
The protest also attracted attention because of the security arrangements at the site. Residents questioned the deployment of two large police buses and a sizeable police contingent despite the relatively small gathering. Images and videos of the police presence subsequently circulated on social media.
Chimbel residents have previously opposed the proposed Unity Mall project in the area, citing environmental and drainage-related concerns. The latest protest has once again brought the protection of Toyyar lake and continued public access to the forefront.
Residents have called for the traditional route to be restored and for authorities to ensure that development activity does not adversely affect the lake, its drainage system or the surrounding ecosystem.
