the goan I network
VASCO
Regular dredging activity a stone’s throw away from the banks of the Zuari River near the Naval Dock at Chicalim has raised suspicions and fuelled speculation that the dredging could possibly be for the setting up of a marina in Sancoale Bay.
According to sources, a dredger has been spotted carrying out dredging activities at Chicalim on a daily basis for the last few days. While the residents of Chicalim and Sancoale are not sure about the purpose of dredging in the area, most of them are speculating that it could be for the purpose of setting up of a marina at Sancoale Bay especially after the IPB had decided to relook at the proposal some days ago.
Some residents also claim that it could be for the setting up of jetties in the area under the ambitious Sagar Mala project. A resident of Chicalim, on condition of anonymity, said that the government must not take up or rethink any project that had been scrapped in the past.
“There has been tremendous opposition to the marina and the panchayat, biodiversity committee and the MLA has opposed the project, but recently IPB has decide to rethink the project. The dredger has been seen regularly in the area near the Naval Dock and we are unclear why it is here. The Navy is also not commenting on this but sources have told us that the staff and material for the dredger is moved through Naval gates. The navy must come out clear on the issue instead of keeping the villagers in suspense.”
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggested that the dredger could be for regular maintenance dredging by the Navy but despite attempts to reach Navy officials, no comments could be received.
No permission for dredging: Chicalim VP
VASCO : The Sarpanch of VP Chicalim, Seby Pereira on Sunday had said that the Chicalim Panchayat has not granted any permissions to any dredging activity in the area.
“No one has approached us nor have we given permission for any sort of dredging activity in the area. The panchayat has already opposed the proposal of marina at Sancoale Bay. I, as the Sarpanch, will always stand by the locals and the panchayat have already extended our support to Chicalim Village Action Committee and Chicalim Biodiversity Committee in their opposition towards the proposed marina at Sancoale Bay. So the question of the panchayat supporting any dredging activity or marina is out of the question,” said Pereira.
