PANAJI
After 44 days of sustained protest, residents of Chimbel on Monday finally called off their agitation against the proposed Unity Mall and Prashasan Stambh projects, following a written assurance from the State government that both projects will be shifted out of the village.
The decision was announced by villagers at Azad Maidan, bringing an end to one of the longest local protests witnessed in recent times. The agitation had begun over concerns that the proposed projects would cause irreversible environmental and ecological damage, particularly posing a threat to the Toyyar Lake and its surrounding ecosystem.
“Tourism Department has decided to shift the proposed Unity Mall project from survey No 41/1 of Chimbel village to an alternate site. It is further clarified that no construction activity shall be undertaken by the department at the said site,” the Tourism Department said in a written communication to the villagers.
The department has also assured that the land would be restored to its original condition at the earliest.
The General Administrative Department (GAD) has also submitted the letter to the villagers informing that the government decision to shift the Prashasan Stambh project, which was contemplated to be constructed in the village.
Villagers had consistently maintained that large-scale construction in the area would disturb natural water bodies, impact biodiversity, and affect the livelihoods of locals. The protest saw daily sit-ins, public meetings and widespread support from environmental groups and civil society members.
Govind Shirodkar informed media that they have received written assurance from the government that both projects are shifted from the village and accordingly we are withdrawing the protest.
Last month, amid mounting opposition, the government had announced its intention to shift the Unity Mall and Prashasan Stambh to an alternate location. However, protesters continued their agitation, insisting on a formal written commitment to ensure the decision was binding.
With the written assurance now in hand, villagers expressed relief and said the protest was withdrawn in good faith, while reiterating that they would remain vigilant until the projects are formally relocated.
