the goan I network
VASCO
The public hearing-cum-presentation on the draft Goa Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) at Ravindra Bhavan Baina on Friday was cancelled amidst protests by activists, NGOs and locals.
Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral skipped the event, while a strong police force was present to avoid any untoward incidents.
Drama began as Additional Collector Johnson Fernandes, Dy Collector Paresh Faldesai and Mormugao Mamlatdar Satish Prabhu entered the venue along with GSPCB Environmental Engineer Sanjeev Joglekar.
As Fernandes began addressing the crowd, people began shouting slogans and jeering the officials.
Anticipating tension, the huge police force also entered the venue to keep a close watch on the proceedings.
Even before the presentation could begin, activists and NGOs began objecting and enquired how the presentation could be held when CM Pramod Sawant had announced in the assembly that there would not be any more CZMP presentations.
Activists also began demanding that the officials produce the notification and authorisation letter or any official intimation given to public about the event.
Even as a defiant Johnson Fernandes and Sanjeev Joglekar began presenting the slides, a crowd of about 200 people walked towards the stage and police force then formed a human barricade to prevent them from proceeding further.
Even as arguments and jeers continued, the slides were being presented on the screen. As arguments began to intensify, the officials decided to call off the event and walked away under police protection.
The drama continued as GRE General secretary Olencio Simoes began addressing the crowd with the sound system of Ravindra Bhavan, but authorities later switched off the mike and Simoes continued to address the crowd without a mike.
Later, the crowd dispersed after they were informed by authorities to move out of the hall after the meeting was called off.
Later speaking to reporters, activist Sandesh Telekar said the government was attempting to misguide people by announcing that no CZMP meeting would be held, but continued to have meetings and presentation from the backdoor.
A large police force comprising Mormugao DYSP Sunita Sawant, 4 police inspectors, 12 PSIs, 160 constables and 40 LPC were station to prevent any untoward incident.
