Residents intensify opposition
MAPUSA
The legal battle against the proposed private university project at Cansa Hill in Tivim is far from over, Aldona MLA and counsel for the Tivim petitioners, Carlos Ferreira, asserted nearly four months after the High Court dismissed their petition challenging the project.
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Corjuem, Ferreira made it clear that the dismissal of the plea by the Bombay High Court would not deter the local movement opposing the project.
“The fight is not over. We will be approaching the Supreme Court within the next ten days to challenge the order,” he said.
The petition had been filed by local residents opposing the proposed MIT private university on Communidade land at Cansa Hill, arguing that the project raised serious legal and environmental concerns.
However, the High Court ruled against the petitioners, effectively clearing a hurdle for the project.
Ferreira, who represented the Tivim residents in the matter, reiterated his objection to the Letter of Intent issued by the government to the private university.
“We had challenged the government’s decision before the High Court, but the verdict did not go in our favour. We will now seek relief from the Supreme Court,” he said.
He also disclosed that he had not charged any legal fees while handling the case.
Backing the ongoing agitation on the ground, Ferreira extended support to residents who had recently protested at the project site against hill-cutting activities.
On Thursday, locals gathered at the site to object to the excavation work underway on the hill.
Questioning the larger policy approach, Ferreira said it was not appropriate to indiscriminately allot Communidade land to outside educational institutions. “We must protect Goa’s Communidade lands from crony capitalism,” he stated.
He further stressed that projects of such magnitude must be evaluated from geographical and socio-demographic perspectives.
Criticising the government, he said authorities often fail to take people into confidence before rolling out major projects.
“It may not be possible to satisfy everyone, but at least meaningful dialogue must take place. People cannot be kept in the dark while projects are pushed through the back door,” he said.
