SANGUEM
Residents of Xelvona and Hodar in Curchorem constituency have called for a peaceful morcha at Patto-Panaji on Monday at 11 am, to highlight their strong opposition to the proposed jetty for loading and unloading of coal at Xelvona.
The residents have been opposing the jetty for over a year, after denouncing the proposed plan and the technical environmental clearance granted by authorities.
They claim that the project would result in severe environmental degradation and devastate the rich flora and fauna of the village.
According to them, Xelvona is home to several species of birds, while the river flowing through the village supports local species of fish, some of which are already on the verge of extinction.
The villagers have also raised concerns over the potential destruction of mangroves in the area and the cutting of hundreds of coconut and other fruit-bearing trees if the government proceeds with the project. They fear that once the jetty becomes operational, locals will lose their traditional occupations and livelihoods.
With the support of the local Assolda panchayat, the villagers have decided to press for the scrapping of the proposed jetty project.
