the goan I network
PANAJI
The Chimbel residents opposing Chimbel IT-park project in a press conference on Tuesday challenged Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte to have an open debate on proposed project.
The residents have also announced that IT-park project will be challenged in the court. Ex-MLA of Santa-Cruz Victoria Fernandes, her son Rudolf Fernandes, Chimbel Manch convenor Smita Shirodkar, Arthur D’Souza, Rama Kanconkar in press conference held at Panaji vowed to oppose the project tooth and nail.
Chimbel residents maintained that their opposition to Goa government’s proposed IT park project will continue as the project is around the historical and sacred Chimbel lake at Kadamba
plateau.
The government has failed to take the villagers into confidence before proposing the famous Chimbel lake area wetland at Kadamba plateau for IT Park, alleged Rudolf Fernandes.
Villagers alleged that Khaunte has vested interest in bringing up this project.
“Minister should clarify whether he has bought land near IT-park project”, said Smita Shirodkar.
The Manch condemned the act of the sarpanch of the village panchayat of Chimbel “for not acting within the framework of law” while passing the resolution favouring IT Park project during the gram sabha on Sunday.
The villagers also reiterated that the sarpanch Chandrakant Kunkolkar had failed to act within the framework of the law, and took a decision on IT Park without putting it on the agenda, and added that Directorate of Panchayats and the minister concerned should probe the matter.
Rudolf Fernandes, meanwhile, refuted personal allegations against him by Panch members of Merces while supporting IT project. He said the land which belongs to him is his ancestral land and some part of it was transferred to the government for construction of roads.
