THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Residents of Colvale, led by Sarpanch Ritesh Warkhandkar, gathered in the village to oppose the proposed installation of a new mobile tower, claiming that the area already has an adequate number of towers and that another one is unnecessary.
The villagers said they were united in their opposition and urged authorities to reconsider the proposal. They maintained that the village already has several mobile towers and expressed concerns over the impact of adding another installation in close proximity to residential areas and educational institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Warkhandkar said the local community had not been taken into confidence before the proposal was initiated.
"There are already around 10 mobile towers in our constituency. There are several educational institutions in this area, and we do not want another tower to be installed without consulting the people. There is already one tower located barely a metre away from the proposed site," he said.
The sarpanch said the residents were determined to resist the project if their objections were ignored.
"The people of Colvale are firm in their opposition. If the authorities proceed with the installation despite our objections, we will have no option but to launch a protest," Warkhandkar said.
He appealed to the state government and local MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar to intervene and ensure that the proposed tower is not erected at the site.
Residents reiterated that they were not opposed to improving mobile connectivity but insisted that any such infrastructure should be planned in consultation with the local community and only after assessing the need for an additional tower in the area.
