MARGAO
Navelim village witnessed an uproar on Wednesday evening after residents hit the streets to protest and oppose a mobile tower coming up in a residential locality.
What agitated the residents of Belem, Fradilem and Calwado is that the work was being taken up late at night. They claimed that the company officials tried to misguide the people by claiming that the land excavation is being done for an electric pole. They also claimed the company had brought the tower equipment in a vehicle but kept it at a distance to erect it in the dark.
Given that the company has excavated the land and has laid the foundation, the villagers have decided to maintain a night vigil at the site to foil any attempt to erect the tower during the night.
The residents pointed out that they are not opposed to the mobile towers per se, but hastened to add that the towers should not be set up on a thickly populated property. They pointed out that the property may belong to the PWD or the government, but no tower should come up in a residential locality, posing a risk and health hazards to the locals.
Former Navelim sarpanch Frank Fernandes, who was amongst the locals said the residents of Fradilem, Belem and Calvaddo are clear that they do not want the tower at the present location.
He also questioned the logic behind bypassing the panchayats for obtaining permission to set up towers.
“The residents will not allow the tower to come up at the site,” he said, demanding to know why the company is rushing with the work if they have the requisite permissions.
Another resident pointed out that everyone uses a mobile phone and the towers may be needed to strengthen the network, but hastened to add that they should be set up away from residential areas.
Issuing a warning, the resident said the government should do nothing that would force the residents to take the law into their hands.
