PERNEM
The Querim-Tiracol-Palyem Gram Bachao Committee on Sunday threatened to agitate if the State government gave its permission to the proposed Aronda jetty and to dredge the Tiracol river.
In a meeting convened at Shree Bramhan Temple, Kiranpani-Pernem, the committee members claimed that they have been getting good support from the people and a huge meeting would be convened after Diwali.
Speaking at the meeting, Sachin Parab accused Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar of misleading the people.
“Parsekar claims that some people are opposing the jetty without any reason, but he should listen to both sides before taking a decision,” said Parab.
“Last time, we visited the Chief Minister and submitted a memorandum regarding the jetty, but he did not have the time and he did not care to listen to the protesters,” stated Parab.
Parab further said the government should provide details of the project and its benefit to Goans, before taking a decision in the matter.
“Now, we have to give a boost to our protest and open the eyes of the government. All the 40 MLAs will be involved in this issue,” he said.
In his speech, Manohar Arondekar refuted claims that there was a jetty at Aronda in the past. "There was only a wharf and no jetty in Aronda," he claimed.
Palyem Sarpanch Ravindra alias Babu Parab said the panchayat was fully opposing the jetty. “I am with the public and if the committee submits a memorandum to Palyem Panchayat, a special gram sabha will be convened," said Parab.
Babuso Tawadkar feared that the jetty would pollute the Tiracol coastline, threatening tourism in the area. “To maintain a balance within the environment, environmentalists should support the protest,” he said.
Sachin Parab, Adv Prasad Shapurkar, Sadanand Vaigankar, Panch Babani Arolkar, Dattaram Naik, Sanjay Tari, Babuso Talkar and committee members were present for the meeting.
