Locals of Codar-Bethora on Monday reacted with anger and strongly objected to moves that the IIT Goa project is being planned in the area.
Voicing their sentiments at a public meeting in a temple in Bethora, the locals claimed that they have not been taken into confidence in these plans and also feared that biodiversity at the proposed site would be destroyed if the IIT Goa project is set up.
According to sources, plans are afoot to acquire 14.5 lakh sq mtrs of land from the local Communidade for the proposed IIT project.
Addressing the meeting, speakers pointed out that while only a small part of the proposed site is rocky terrain, a large area is being cultivated by locals.
They feared that if the IIT Goa project is set up, trees and other cultivations would be destroyed and wildlife in the area would be under threat.
A number of environmentalists were also present at the meeting.
Residents were particularly unhappy that the government had not taken them into confidence before shortlisting this site, and warned that they would never allow any project at the cost of destroying the environment and biodiversity.
A campaign has been proposed to create public awareness and a signature drive is also being planned, which will be forwarded to various authorities.
Locals have warned of a largescale protest if the government goes ahead with plans to set up the IIT Goa in Codar-Bethora.
The State government has been struggling to set up the IIT Goa campus in the State.
Plans to set up the project in Loliem-Canacona, Melauli-Sattari and Cotarli-Sanguem were met with strong public opposition, while two other sites at Rivona-Sanguem and Dharbandora were dropped after issues in land acquisition.
