Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The agitation against the proposed mega project at Karapur-Sarvan intensified on Friday as residents, who have been protesting for the past 66 days, marched to government offices in Panaji and demanded an immediate stop-work order, alleging that environmental destruction at the project site continues unchecked despite pending approvals.
In a move that caught authorities off guard, members of the “Save Karapur” movement altered their announced protest plans at the last minute. While police had deployed personnel at the Directorate of Panchayats expecting a demonstration there, protesters instead marched to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department office before proceeding to the Environment Department.
The unexpected change in venue enabled the protesters to bypass security arrangements and draw attention to what they described as official inaction over the controversial project.
Accompanied by St Cruz MLA Viresh Borkar, a delegation of villagers later met Environment Department Director and Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) Member Secretary Sachin Dessai. The delegation pressed for an immediate suspension of all activities at the project site until environmental clearances and other statutory permissions are scrutinised and decided upon by the competent authorities.
The protesters alleged that while government departments continue to deliberate on approvals, work on the ground has continued, resulting in damage to the local environment. They argued that every passing day without intervention was causing further harm and undermining the purpose of the ongoing review process.
At the TCP office, protesters raised slogans and demanded urgent government action, insisting that authorities could not allow project-related activities to continue while questions remained over compliance with environmental regulations.
Responding to the delegation, Dessai said the concerns raised by the villagers would be placed before the Environment Impact Assessment Authority (EIAA), the Expert Appraisal Committee and other relevant bodies for examination. He informed them that officials would require about a week to verify the issues and assess the situation before considering further action.
The assurance, however, failed to fully satisfy the protesters, who maintained that immediate intervention was necessary. The delegation informed officials that they would return on Monday to seek a status update and press for concrete action.
With the protest entering its third month and residents showing no signs of backing down, the Karapur issue is rapidly emerging as a significant environmental flashpoint, with villagers warning that their agitation will intensify if work at the site is not stopped and their concerns remain unaddressed.
