Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chimbel villagers today reiterated their demand for the scrapping of the proposed Unity Mall project and strongly opposed any further construction at the site, stating that their agitation — including the ongoing hunger strike — will continue and be intensified despite assurances of a fresh study.
After meeting Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, the villagers said they were informed that a detailed study and physical demarcation of the site would be carried out by Friday, involving the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and other concerned departments. However, the Chief Minister remained firm on going ahead with the Unity Mall, citing that nearly ₹25 crore has already been spent on the project.
According to the villagers, while the Chief Minister indicated that the proposed Prashasan Sthambh could be scrapped, he refused to reconsider the Unity Mall, which they claim falls within their zone of influence. The villagers said they made it clear during the meeting that they were opposed to both projects, particularly the Unity Mall, and demanded its complete cancellation.
“The talks with the Chief Minister have failed. He is firm on the Unity Mall project. We have informed him that our agitation will be intensified,” said Govind Shirodkar while briefing the media after the meeting.
Chief Minister Sawant stated that a final decision on the Unity Mall would be taken only after a comprehensive study with NIO and physical demarcation of the land. However, the villagers said these assurances were not acceptable to them and maintained that no construction should be allowed at the site.
Despite being told about the expenditure already incurred, the protesters said their hunger strike would continue until the Unity Mall project is scrapped, asserting that the project threatens their rights and local interests.
