PANAJI
Residents of Chimbel on Sunday marched to the Ribandar home of North Goa MP and Union Minister of State Shripad Naik to escalate their opposition to the proposed Unity Mall project in their village.
A large group of villagers arrived at Naik’s residence in the evening, determined to place their concerns directly before him. However, the minister had left for official engagements before the protesters reached.
Undeterred, the villagers sat outside his house, waiting for his return.
When contacted, Naik said he had several functions to attend and would meet the villagers later.
“If the protestors are still there, I will meet them,” he stated.
The protest marks the continuation of a 29-day agitation by Chimbel residents against the Unity Mall project. Villagers have consistently voiced fears that the development will damage the ecology and biodiversity in and around the Toyyar lake besides disrupt their community, affect livelihoods, and alter the character of the area.
The march to Naik’s residence was seen as an escalation of their campaign, aimed at drawing the attention of the Union Minister to their demands. Protestors said they want clarity on the government’s plans and assurances that their concerns would be addressed.
The Unity Mall project has become a flashpoint in Chimbel, with residents staging sit-ins, rallies, and public meetings over the past month.
Sunday’s demonstration brought to the fore the persistence of the movement and the determination of villagers to resist the imposed development.
As the protest entered its 29th day, the villagers reiterated that they would continue their agitation until the project was entirely withdrawn.
