Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Tension escalated in the capital today as villagers from Curchorem constituency staged a strong protest outside the GSPCB office at Patto against the proposed jetty allegedly being constructed for coal handling.
Residents of Assolda, Xelvona, Xic-Xelvona, Hodar and neighbouring villages marched to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) office at Patto, demanding that the controversial project be scrapped immediately.
The protestors claimed that the jetty, coming up in Xelvona village, is intended for coal transportation and would severely impact not only their village but the entire surrounding region.
Curchorem-based leader Rohan Gauns Desai joined the agitators in solidarity, lending political weight to the demonstration.
Councillor Balkrishna Hodarkar of the Curchorem Municipal Council criticised the government for remaining silent despite prior intimation of the agitation.
“This protest was announced four to five days in advance, yet the government did not react to our demand. We want the government to stop this project. It is not just about Xelvona village but about all surrounding areas.
This project is going to affect everyone. The next generation will curse us,” he said.
The protestors alleged that the jetty is being developed to facilitate coal handling operations and warned of environmental and health hazards if the project proceeds.
Meanwhile, GPCC chief Amit Patkar extended support to the agitation and questioned which MLA or Minister was allegedly protecting businessman Dinar Tarcar, who is said to be constructing the jetty for coal handling purposes.
Several villagers raised slogans outside the TCP office, pressing authorities to intervene and halt the project immediately.
The demonstrators maintained that they would intensify their agitation if their demands are not met.
Till the filing of this news report, there was no official response from the government or CRZ officials regarding the allegations surrounding the proposed jetty.
