Don’t waste money on preparing feasibility report, says Kavlekar
the goan I network
CURCHOREM
Kavlekar was addressing a public meeting at Canaguinim church, convened by Orixtt Porjecho Awaaz (OPA) and Naqueri-Betul Panchayat members to garner opposition to the proposed project.
It may be recalled that Naqueri-Betul villagers had recently convened a public meeting at Betul church to discuss the project. In the past, the villagers had unanimously resolved to oppose the project at a special gram sabha.
At the public meeting on Tuesday evening, about 200 locals from Naqueri-Betul and nearby areas raised various issues regarding the project.
They said if this project comes up in Betul, there will be influx of migrant labourers, health-related problems and crime graph will shoot up. No basic infrastructure, narrow roads and limited land were some issues raised during the meeting. Speaking at the meeting, MLA Kavlekar said sensing strong opposition from the local people and fishermen community from Betul area, the government should drop the port project.
“It’s time for people from the coastal belt of Goa to come together and oppose the satellite port project, as it will have adverse effect on traditional fishermen community and their business. We have witnessed enough environmental issues and traffic-related issues in the mining belts of Goa.”
“The government should instead instead focus on bringing projects which will benefit local people after taking panchayat and locals into confidence,” said Kavlekar.
“It is learnt that government will spend about Rs 5 crore only to prepare the feasibility report of this project,” stated Kavlekar.
In his address, Naqueri-Betul Sarpanch Mangaldas Naik said: “Few central government projects which came in Betul panchayat jurisdiction did not benefit the local people nor any permission were taken from the panchayat for these projects.”
“People and the panchayat were kept in the dark and not taken into confidence for any of the projects like DefExpo, aero-space show, ONGC, etc. Betul Panchayat is totally opposing this project,” said Naik and urged the locals to stand by OPA to oppose the satellite port project.
Fr Eremito Rebelo said Goa for Dabolim Airport and Goa For Sustainable Development, the forums he is a part of, will support OPA and Betul Panchayat in opposing the satellite port project.
“This issue is not only limited to Betul locals but of Goan people,” he said and criticized the State government for trying to come up with Mopa airport despite opposition from Goans. “This government also brought DefExpo project in Betul despite agitation and opposition. The government doesn’t think much of the people,” he added.
Activist Zarina D’Cunha, OPA president Pressy Fernandes and others were also present at the meeting.
