PANAJI
Hundreds of locals participated in a peaceful candlelit march against the Bhutani project in Sancoale on Sunday evening, as they along with activists and political and religious leaders demanded the immediate scrapping of the project.
The villagers started off the protest with a litany at the local Holy Cross and a prayer meeting at the Shantadurga Temple. Thereafter, the protesters peacefully marched to the Bhutani site raising slogans against the promoters of the project as well as the local panchayat.
Addressing people gathered at the protest, South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes cautioned the people gathered to remain united as the attempts to divide Goans are likely to intensify.
“These Goan hills are natural water tanks that supply us water for entire year. But outside forces have entered our hills as the doors have been opened by our elected representatives,” said Capt. Viriato.
Local MLA Anton Vas briefed people about steps taken by him and assured his solidarity with them in their mission to scrap the Bhutani project at Sancoale.
Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira appealed to the people to remain united against the mass commercialism of Goa’s land which will ultimately decimate Goan culture and demography.
Appreciating the people gathered for being active, Fr Pereira warned the government not to force people to come on the streets.
“Our renewed fight has just begun and we have a long way to go. We will protest till we reach the logical conclusion,” said Fr Pereira.
While castigating the local leaders who had connived with the promoters of the mega project, Congress leader Olencio Simoes appealed to those present to support the special Gram Sabha where a resolution would be passed to revoke the PDA for Sancoale village, which was the root cause for the mushrooming of mega projects in the village.
Among the many speakers who addressed the gathering included Cortalim Congress Block President Peter D’Souza, South Goa BJP President Tulshidas Naik, activists Walter Lobo, Rama Kankoncar, Xencor Polgi, former minister Alina Saldanha, Adv Pratima Coutinho, Tara Kerkar, and Adv Tanuj Advaipaikar.
