Goemkarponn Desk
OXEL: Fearing the emergence of a massive project near the Oxel’s natural medicinal spring, residents and activists from Siolim and surrounding areas organized a candlelight demonstration.
During the demonstration, numerous speakers strongly objected to the presence of concrete structures in the area and called for the spring to be marked off and designated as a historical site.
About 300 people showed up at the Oxel spring night for the candlelight protest, during which a number of speakers from both inside and outside the village shared their opinions and vowed to oppose any project that would negatively impact the over a century-old spring.
The center of attention was the village sarpanch, Adv Reshal Arporkar, who stood throughout the protest meeting and offered the villagers her support, stating that the panchayat as a whole is dedicated to preserving the village’s spring, fields, and hills.
Arporkar also urged the public to back the panchayat and assist in putting together a formal protest against all of these massive projects.
“I will not waver in my commitment to protect the village, and we should oppose such massive projects. Revocation orders issued by panchayats are frequently contested at a higher level, allowing developers to obtain approvals. But people’s power matters,” the sarpanch remarked.
On this occasion, notable speakers included Fr. Minino Vaz, the local parish priest, Avertino Miranda, Prof. Prajal Sakhardande, Tanoj Adwalpalkar, Shankar Polji, Suraj Chodancar, Kapil Korgaonkar, Fatima Fernandes, Walter Lobo, and numerous locals.
The demonstrators then made the decision to write a petition against the massive project that would be built so close to the spring to the panchayat.
Oxel is a charming village in Bardez, bordered to the west and east by Siolim and Camurlim. It is surrounded by hills to the south and the River Chapora to the north. Oxel is rich in biodiversity and fortunate to have six springs that are recognized for their therapeutic value.
