PANAJI
Even as the joint inspection of the proposed Unity Mall site in Chimbel and the adjoining Toyyar Lake is almost complete, villagers continued their protests and have now proposed a 'maha protest' on January 30.
Water Resources Department (WRD) Chief Engineer Pramod Badami said on Monday that 99.9 percent of the survey work has been finished, adding that the remaining portion is expected to be completed by Tuesday itself.
The inspection began on Saturday to scientifically assess the zone of influence, hydrological impact, and drainage linked to Toyyar Lake (Survey No. 40/1). Once completed, experts will prepare a detailed report which will be submitted to the Chief Minister before any further discussions between the government and the protesting villagers can take place.
Lawyer Malisa Simoes, representing the villagers, said discussions with the government will only happen after the survey report is ready.
“There is no point in talking beforehand,” she said even as the protest against the Unity Mall project continues with villagers staging a chain hunger strike since December 28.
Ajay Kholkar, one of the leading protesters, also announced that a grand demonstration is planned for January 30.
On Republic Day, villagers had attempted to march to the university grounds to voice their opposition. Police however stopped them from entering the premises.
The Chief Minister meanwhile has appealed to the protesters to remain calm and assured them that their concerns will be heard. He has proposed another round of discussions once the survey report is finalized.
The Unity Mall project has faced stiff resistance from locals who fear ecological damage to Toyyar Lake and disruption of the village environment. The ongoing survey is seen as crucial in determining the feasibility of the project and addressing these concerns.
For now, villagers remain firm in their opposition, while the government insists that scientific assessment must guide the way forward. The coming week is expected to be decisive, with the survey report likely to set the stage for talks between the Chief Minister and the protestors’ delegation.
CM meets Bondvoll
Lake protesters
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the villagers of St Cruz that the Bondvoll Lake will be protected.
Sources said, after villagers of Santa Cruz submitted demands to the local MLA Rudolf Fernandes, they met Sawant who assured action on all three demands they made.
"We will wait and watch," said one of the villagers who have raised concerns over development permissions granted to private real estate projects in the vicinity of the lake.
