Team Goemkarponn
CHICALIM: In a major win for Chicalim residents and environmental activists, the Captain of Ports Department has begun the restoration of over 4,000 square meters of illegally reclaimed jetty land in Chicalim. The land, which was unlawfully reclaimed by M/s Abhishek Engineers Pvt Ltd, will now be returned to its original state after a 15-year-long battle led by the Chicalim Villagers Action Committee (CVAC).
On March 5, 2025, a joint inspection was conducted by officials from the Captain of Ports, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, Goa State Biodiversity Board, DRDA South, and local stakeholders, including CVAC President Cyril Fernandes and General Secretary Rui M. Da Costa Araujo, to assess the progress of the restoration work.
Speaking on the occasion, CVAC General Secretary Rui M. Da Costa Araujo expressed satisfaction that years of relentless efforts had finally borne fruit.
“This 15-year fight for justice has ended in victory. Seeing the restoration work in progress is truly gratifying,” Araujo stated.
CVAC President Cyril Fernandes welcomed the development but urged authorities to adopt a scientific approach in executing the restoration.
“While this is a significant achievement, the Captain of Ports and DRDA must ensure that scientific methods are applied to restore the land effectively. A detailed scope of work should be prepared and strictly followed,” said Fernandes.
He also called on fellow Goan activists to adopt CVAC’s methodical approach, emphasizing detailed studies, background research, and scientific data to strengthen their causes.
“Activism should remain neutral and free from political influence. Commitment, research, and persistence are key to achieving real victories like this,” he added.
Fernandes dedicated this success to the residents of Chicalim, Dabolim, and Sao Jacinto, thanking CVAC members for their unwavering dedication over the years.
Chicalim Panchayat Suspends Trade License of Abhishek Engineers
In a parallel development, the Chicalim Panchayat has suspended the trade license of M/s Abhishek Engineers Pvt Ltd for illegally reclaiming land from the Zuari River at Chicalim Bay.
The suspension order, issued on March 4, 2025, follows persistent efforts by CVAC to hold the company accountable. The Panchayat has stated that the trade license will remain suspended until the Captain of Ports certifies that the illegally reclaimed land has been fully restored to its original condition.
Environmental activists and locals had long raised concerns over the damage caused by the unauthorized reclamation, which was blatantly carried out by Abhishek Engineers from 2010 onwards.
CVAC President Cyril Fernandes hailed the Panchayat’s decision as a major victory for Chicalim residents and Goa’s coastal ecosystem.
“This sends a strong message against illegal land reclamation. We hope this step will pave the way for sustainable development while preserving Goa’s natural heritage,” Fernandes remarked.
