the goan I network
VASCO
Ridiculing Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha for seeking credit on action against the proposed Mini India Park project, Quelossim Village Biodiversity Management Committee (BDMC) Chairman Lopinho Xavier said it was not the MLA, but the efforts of Quelossim residents and the BDMC which forced authorities to cancel the in-principle approval to the project.
“Saldanha was unable to handle the issue for so long and the villagers and I along personally met the chief secretary and get the order in 2017 asking the project proponent to stop mud dumping and asking the GCZMA to inspect the area and file a report on action taken in the matter. Though a show cause notice was also issued, nothing seems to have been done till date,” said Xavier.
“The inspections on the proposed project have been taken up because of our efforts and even the recent inspection was called after we filed a complaint. We filed a complaint on May 25 and the local MLA followed suit and filed a complaint on May 28. I have documents to prove this.”
“The local MLA claims that IPB withdrew in-principle approval to the project because of her efforts but actually it was an NGO which filed a case and an order was passed that IPB had no powers to approve the proposed project in Khazan land, forcing the government to withdraw the approval.”
Xavier claimed that Saldanha should have got the work done in the last two years, especially since she was a minister and part of the ruling government.
“However, she has not stressed enough on this project nor put sufficient pressure on government bodies.”
“Even in the last three months, the GCZMA prepared the report on June 21 and recommended action to be taken in the matter. But shockingly, the site inspections are being cancelled consecutively despite the project being in her constituency,” said Xavier.
