PORVORIM
Following widespread protests over a mega project in Sancoale, locals in Porvorim are now up in arms over a mega project in Socorro.
Addressing media persons on Friday, the President of Porvorim Welfare Foundation Vikas Prabhu Dessai alleged that over 1,000 flats are being built in Socorro on land which has been identified as private forest by VT Thomas committee.
“Despite having provisional forest designation, the plot has been authorised for development. The truth is that only a minor fraction of this plot lies within the settlement zone. However, the developer deceitfully expanded this portion to present fraudulent pretences. Such dishonest representation is not just unethical but also illegal compounding the severity of this environmental breach,” said Prabhu Dessai.
“The land has been identified by the VT Thomas committee as private forest land and has been subjected to similar unauthorised developmental exploitation. This area, which is rich in biodiversity, has suffered substantial ecological damage.”
Prabhu Dessai further alleged that over 1,000 trees have been felled in the private forest and around 1,000 flats are being built on 80,000 sq mtrs of land.
“About 100 flats have already been built and construction of further flats is in the pipeline. A big residential project of 500 flats has come up by the side. Residents in the area are facing an acute shortage of water and have to rely on water tankers. In such a situation, from where will these additional 1,000 flats get water supply,” asked Prabhu Dessai. “Moreover, the road passing through these plots is only 6 metres wide and this will lead to heavy traffic congestion.”
Prabhu Dessai has demanded the immediate revocation of approvals given by authorities and the Socorro panchayat, as well as a thorough and independent environmental audit to assess the full scope of ecological damage and implement necessary restoration measures.
Prabhu Dessai has also demanded that the government adopt a transparent, accountable and environmentally committed approach to land use and development approvals.
“If approvals given to the project are not revoked by government authorities and the Socorro Panchayat, the Porvorim Welfare Foundation will be forced to intensify its agitation along with social activists,” warned Prabhu Dessai.
