the goan I network
CURCHOREM
Naqueri-Betul Panchas convened a special public meeting at Betul church to inform and to discuss the issue of proposed satellite port project at Betul.
It may be recalled that the Naqueri-Betul villagers at a special Gram Sabha recently unanimously resolved to oppose the proposed satellite port project in Betul Panchayat area. A copy of the resolution opposing the project was also sent to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.
At a public meeting at Betul church premises on Sunday, about 150 locals from Naqueri-Betul and nearby areas gathered to hear more on the upcoming proposed satellite port project. The locals raised various doubts about the project.
The locals said if the project comes up in Betul, then there will be labour influx, health-related problem, etc. There is not much basic infrastructure in place, roads are narrow, limited land in the village were some issues raised during the meeting.
Quepem MLA Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar, who was also present at the meeting, said: “Sensing strong opposition from the local people and fishermen community from Betul area, the government should drop this port project.”
He said he raised the port project issue in the last assembly session, but did not get satisfactory reply from the government. “If this project comes up, then the local fishermen community and locals will be badly affected,”
he added.
When contacted, Naqueri-Betul Sarpanch Mangaldas Naik said the Betul Panchayat is opposing the project. “I have put forth the details which I received through Right to Information Act.”
Panch Delfi Barbosa said there will be another public meeting to thoroughly discuss the proposed satellite port project and further course of action on Tuesday evening.
