MAPUSA
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Sunday said he would back the villagers of Sinquerim-Candolim in their fight against heli-tourism.
“Aguada plateau has been declared a heritage site and therefore no commercial activities can be carried out here. If the people do not want helicopter tourism, then I will support you,” Lobo said bowing to people’s wishes.
Lobo along with former Calangute MLA Agnel Fernandes joined a number of villagers at a protest meet at St Lourence Church square, Sinquerim, against the government’s decision to start helicopter joy rides at the Aguada helipad.
The MLA said all Goans were stakeholders of tourism and therefore they have to be taken into confidence.
“It’s time the villagers come together and remain united to make the government aware of their opposition to projects that are not in the interest of them,” he said.
“Even if the government does not listen, there are other ways to stop it. I have come to support you. I am with you,” Lobo assured the gathering.
He said the ball of heli-tourism was set rolling in 2011 and one of the spots then selected was Aguada plateau.
“In 2011, the then government gave NOC to Pawan Hans to start the joy helicopter rides. Now, after five years, our government has only taken the process ahead,” he said.
He said tourists came to Goa because of its beauty, peace and people’s hospitable nature.
“Goa’s splendid beauty is attracting tourists to the State and not the helicopter rides,” he emphasised.
Congress General Secretary and former Calangute MLA Agnel Fernandes said his party would support the villagers against the government’s plan to force heli-tourism in the area.
He said he was happy to know that the Calangute MLA was supporting the villagers in their cause but was worried if he would keep his word or do another U-turn like his leaders.
“In the past, the villagers opposed inclusion of Calangute in PDA but the MLA did not listen to the people then,” Fernandes sought to remind the local MLA.
He asked the villagers to remain alert and that the movement against the helicopter joy rides has just started and it needs to be carried forward.
“The government has stopped the rides today because of our protest. They will start it tomorrow. We will have to come back here again,” he said.
Congress General Secretary Adv Yatish Naik censured the government for imposing projects that people did not want.
“Just because Goans are peaceful and patient, don’t take our people for granted,” he said.
He further assured the villagers that Congress party will support the locals in their fight against the autocratic decisions of the government.
Congress spokesman Sunil Kauthankar, Candolim Sarpanch Sandra Fiola, Dr Joe D’Souza and some locals also spoke.
