I will quit, if you stop Chapora
Riverfront project: Oxel sarpanch
MAPUSA
Throwing a challenge to those opposing the Chapora Riverfront Development project, Oxel Sarpanch Rama Parab on Sunday said he was ready to give up his chair if the opposition succeeds in stopping the work along the riverfront.
“Certain people have filed some cases against the Chapora Riverfront Development project. I dare those who oppose the project to halt the ongoing work and I will resign from my post,” Parab said to a thunderous applause from the locals who had gathered in support of the project.
Over 200 people including sarpanchas, panchas, ZPs and former sarpanchas, all supporters of Water Resource Minister and local MLA Dayanand Mandrekar had gathered near the Siolim Bridge in support of the riverfront project.
The Oxel sarpanch further said it was a beautification and eco-friendly project which had all the required licences.
“Once developed the place will be one of the most beautiful spots in the State and people will come to see the place,” he said, slamming the opposition for spreading wrong information through the media.
Former sarpanch Digambar Agarwadekar assured the locals that the project would cause no harm to anyone and in fact the people of Siolim were lucky to get this project.
“There are multiple benefits besides beautification of the riverfront. The development of the riverfront will halt soil erosion and small-time businessmen will be able to earn a living, as the place will boom with tourism activity,” Agarwadekar said.
He further said the project was not against any religion and cautioned locals from falling prey to opposition tricks, who were trying to play the religious card.
“The two ghumtis which are along the riverfront will be protected and relocated at some other place,” he assured.
Extending full support to the project, former Verla-Canca sarpanch Mohan Dhabale said the government had carried out a study before launching the same.
“Nobody will be able to stop the project, as proper study was done on the project and all required NOCs/licences have been obtained,” Dhabale said.
Anjuna Zilla Parishad member Vassudev Korgaonkar informed that government had taken all the people into confidence before launching the project.
“The opposition is envious and do not want the credit of the project to go to the BJP-led government,” he said.
Oxel Panch Manguesh Chodankar, Vishwajit Parab and others also spoke.
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NGT has not halted
work on project: BJP
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Assuring the locals that National Green Tribunal has not brought any stay order on the ongoing work of Chapora Riverfront Development project in Siolim, Siolim BJP Mandal president Narayan Mandrekar categorically said work on the project was going on in full swing and asked the people not to fall prey to the opposition canards.
“NGT has not brought any stay order on the project. A bunch of opposition so called leaders has been using the media to spread false information. Work on the project is in full swing,” Mandrekar said.
He said the project was legal and all required licences have been obtained by the agency concerned that was undertaking the job.
“The NGT has asked the government department concerned to produce certain documents and licences. But there’s not stay on work,” he said further.
He said the opposition was simply trying to make an issue since it was an election year.
“Siolim people have faith in the local MLA and therefore elected him four times in a row. And he will be elected again for the fifth time,” he added.
