the goan I network
VASCO
Members of Save Kesarval Spring Movement (SKSM) have decided to stage an agitation against a proposed starred hotel around the Kesarval spring site on Sunday and has appealed for public support to their protest to safeguard public access to the spring.
Addressing a news conference on Saturday, SKSM member Lopinho Xavier said that if the project is not opposed, people would be prevented from entering the Kesarval spring after the project is handed over to a private party.
“We have been informed that only villagers with ID cards will be allowed entry to the spring. Once it is privatised, the government will not have the control on it” said Xavier.
Another member, Pobres Vaz, said it was only on the request of villagers to provide better facilities at Kesarval springs, that the tourism department acquired the area for beautification and set up a restaurant. “But till date, they did nothing to develop Kesarval spring. Now they have come up with a hotel project and they inform us they will reuse and recycle water. Hence, water will not be let into the fields and there will be only one crop, instead of the two crops that farmers cultivate as of now,” said Vaz.
Another member, Vincent Pereira, said the government had proposed a starred hotel to a private party with a 50-year lease and extension.
“We have given them 27,000 sq mtrs of comunidade land of because we want a rejuvenated and beautified spring, but we will not allow a starred hotel project at the site at any cost,” said Pereira.
