OLD GOA
Over 500 people descended at Siridao to voice their opposition to the Nauxi marina project even as the organizers vowed to intensify their agitation in the days to come.
The meeting, organized by Goenkar Against Marina on Sunday, went for a marathon 5 hours with various speakers ranging from activists, panchas, politicians, historian, priests and others speaking against the project citing that it would lead to the destruction of the marine environment and lead to the displacement of fishermen at Nauxi and affect their livelihood.
The youth from Chicalim also presented a skit highlighting how various projects are sought to be imposed in the State as the promoters feel that Goans have a lackadaisical attitude. The youth further appealed that the youngsters should take the lead in opposing the various disastrous projects, like marina, to protect their future. The youth later presented a flash dance to the tune of ‘Nauxi Marina Naka’.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof Ramrao Wagh stated that the fight against the marina is going on the streets as well in the courts.
“The project promoter has filed a petition in the High Court seeking a public hearing on the project wherein Adv Suresh Palkar and activist Arturo D’Souza has been made party,” Wagh said while stating that it is a ploy to silence the dissenting voices of the opponents.
“However, we will not bow down to such tactics and take the battle head-on till it is scrapped,” he added.
Fr Bolmax Pereira pointed out that the Chicalim Bay and Siridao Bay are hotspots of biodiversity as the rare windowpane oysters are available here.
“Hence having a marina project in the Zuari bay at Nauxi will be detrimental to the marine biodiversity,” Fr Pereira opined while decrying the attempts of the government to approve projects during the pandemic period.
Fr Lawrence urged the people to elect responsible persons as MLAs who will fight for the cause of the people and not for themselves.
Shailendra Velingkar urged all NGOs and activists to remain united as the politicians will try to divide the people into religious lines, ahead of the assembly elections.
Advocate Albertina stated that there is a need to oppose the MPT bill which has been passed in the Lok Sabha.
Historian Prajal Sakhardande said that the MPT Bill which has been passed is seeking to take away 56 km of Zuari bay.
