SALIGAO
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte has called upon the residents of Britona to get united and oppose the State government s move to allow a floating hotel to anchor at Britona. Speaking at the meeting organised by Britona Villagers Front at Britona, Khaunte said the floating hotel will have adverse effect not only on marine life, but also on the ecology of the village. “It s surprising that most of the ruling panchas of Penha de Franca Panchayat are absent for the meeting. In fact, the panchayat should have called this meeting instead of Britona Villagers Front,” said Khaunte. “The villagers should make it mandatory for the panchayat to place issues which are detrimental to the interest of the residents at large in the gram sabha before granting permissions,” he said. Khaunte further stated that the Goa Tourism Development Corporation is planning to set up a five star hotel in Britona. “Some more jetties are being constructed behind Thoteshwar temple in Britona. If these projects come up in Britona, the village will lose its identity and the village will soon become a place of immoral activities,” added Khaunte. “I have been demanding to shift casinos from the Mandovi river for the last 4 years. The State government instead of shifting the existing casinos is granting permission to floating hotels.” “Time has come now to submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar requesting him not to allow to anchor the floating hotel or any other casino at Britona. In case he doesn t respect the sentiments of the people, then agitation is the only way to tackle this issue,” said Khaunte. Penha de Franca Parish Priest Fr Mathew Fernandes said the floating hotel will not only create pollution in Mandovi river, but will also affect fish production. “Being a priest, I am not supposed to participate in such meetings, but as the livelihood of the fishermen is at stake and the existence of village is in danger, I have come to render my support to the villagers,” said Fr Fernandes. ZP members Gupesh Naik, Panchas Swapnil Chodanker, Gajanan Halarnker, Salvador-do-Mundo Sarpanch Sandeep Salgaonker, Bhiku Sawant and Sagar Naik also spoke on the occasion. Britona Villagers Front president Agnel Pereira welcomed the villagers and also proposed the vote of thanks.
