PANAJI
Residents of Chimbel staged an impromptu protest against the alleged blocking of a traditional pathway leading to the historic Toyyar lake, raising fresh concerns over environmental conservation and public access to natural resources.
The protesters, who had also opposed the proposed Unity Mall in the area and forced the government to shelve the project, alleged that construction activities threaten the lake's natural drainage system and the surrounding ecosystem.
Demonstrators argued that development should not come at the cost of vital water bodies and environmental heritage.
What drew attention during the protest was the heavy police presence at the site. Despite only a small number of residents participating in the demonstration, the administration deployed two large police buses and a sizeable security contingent.
The move sparked widespread discussion on social media, with photographs and videos of the deployment going viral.
Environmental activist and tribal leader from Chimbel, Govind Shirodkar said Toyyar lake is a crucial source of biodiversity and water security for the region.
Shirodkar also claimed that initial work for the proposed mall project had resulted in the closure of a traditional pathway that local residents have used for decades, causing significant inconvenience. He also alleged that the construction of the new BJP office in the vicinity have completely blocked the main access road to the notified local lake.
“Students, environmental researchers, local residents and water tankers used this route regularly. The road has now been obstructed with stones, laterite blocks and construction debris,” he alleged.
