Khaunte threatens to shift science, environment park
THE GOAN NETWORK
SALIGAO
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte said he will shift the science and environment park project either to Socorro or Salvador-do-Mundo panchayat areas, if the Penha de Franca Panchayat doesn't issue no-objection certificate to set up the project in Ward 8 of Penha de Franca within a month.
Speaking to The Goan, Khaunte said the condition of the children’s park is pathetic and children as well as residents have virtually stopped visiting the park.
“Hence, to make best use of this vast area, I had written to the Department of Science & Technology and Environment on November 2, 2015, that with their financial support I wish to develop science and environment park in the LIG children park covering an area of 3,800 sq mtrs,” said Khaunte.
“The park will have 21 scientific instruments exhibiting concepts relating to energy (sun, wind and water), solar system, telescope, etc, and also a study hall of area 180 sq mtrs for the students to study,” he informed.
He further said his proposal was approved by the government and the Department of Science & Technology and Environment has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh to purchase scientific instruments for the Science and Environment Park.
“Corporate support is also being sought for civil and beautification work. Penha de Franca Panchayat had already adopted a resolution in this connection and conveyed its consent to the Department of the Science and Environment on November 24, 2015.”
“However to my surprise, the panchayat has now obtained signatures of a few residents of Porvorim stating that they oppose the science and environment park in Ward 8 and forwarded it to the Science and Environment Department. There is no objection at all from the residents of LIG Colony of Ward 8,” he added.
“Some panchayat members are unnecessary creating hurdles in the way of a good project. They are objecting to this project for the sake of objecting. This project is not going to create any pollution in the area, but on the contrary will become an attraction of Porvorim,” said Khaunte.
“If Penha de Franca Panchayat doesn't want this good project in Porvorim, then I will have no alternative other than to shift it either to Salvador-do-Mundo or Socorro,” said Khaunte.
When contacted, a resident of LIG quarters in Ward 8 on condition of anonymity said the residents of his colony have no objection for this good project.
The resident said the panchayat obtained signatures of residents of some other colonies and submitted it to Science and Environment Department stating that they are objecting to the project. “This project will benefit the student community in particular. The panchayat should not object good projects for the sake of objection,” added the resident.
