CANACONA
Coming out strongly in support of environmentalists and villagers opposing mega projects in Loliem, the Goa Forward Party sought to know if 141 members of the Loliem-Polem Comunidade would decide the future of the people of Canacona.
“The government has been unable to meet the basic needs of Canacona taluka like electricity, water, roads and, importantly, health. In addition, the land on the eco-sensitive Bhagwati plateau, which is a place of rich biodiversity and religious devotion for the people, has been leased out by the Loliem-Polem Comunidade for Film City and other projects,” said GFP Environment Cell Chairman Vikas Bhagat while addressing a news conference at Canacona on Friday.
“This and other ‘common land’ is not the responsibility of only the 141 members of the Comunidade, but these lands are the future of all residents of Canacona. No project will be allowed to be built on Bhagwati plateau or even Maddi-talap. The Goa Forward Party will strongly oppose it and will organise meetings to bring awareness amongst the people,” warned Bhagat.
“The land at Bhagwati plateau has been given by the Loliem-Polem Comunidade to set up a Film City. Also, the land at Maddi-talap is being given to Shri Mallikarjun Multifood Processing Company to set up multi-fruit processing units. This multi-fruit processing company has only five directors, including a politician.
“If any number of fruit processing units are to be set up, there are thousands of square metres of land in the Industrial Estate at Shristhal. Let them set up these units at Shristhal Industrial Estate.”
Bhagat also challenged the idea that bringing a film city will provide jobs to Goans, stating that it is just another way to create an illusion.
“Goa has an NIT and the Mopa Airport; let the government come out with a white paper to show how many jobs have been given to Goans there,” said Bhagat.
Canacona Block GFP General Secretary Remy Borges was also present at this press briefing.
