MAPUSA
Amid growing voices of concern within the BJP regarding protests to the IIT project proposed at Shel-Melauli, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza has said if locals were strongly opposed to the project, it could be moved elsewhere in the State.
"If people from Melaluli do not want the IIT project, it is possible to move the project elsewhere. There are other lands owned by the government which can house the IIT project,” said D’Souza, while speaking to reporters.
Stating that he would meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in this regard, D’Souza added: “I will convey my views on the IIT to him. It's a matter of pride that a project of this magnitude is coming to Goa but it needs proper management."
However, the Mapusa MLA refrained from commenting on various statewide protests against government.
"Covid has made us all realise the importance of nature. It's not right to harm the environment in the name of development. Mollem is part of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and it is the responsibility of everyone to safeguard it,” he said.
Supporting the government’s decision on opening casinos, D’Souza said casinos are a source of revenue for the State.
“They have been closed since the past eight months and one cannot deny that casinos are also an indirect source of income for many locals. If casinos are removed, there should be an alternative option beneficial to the government and locals as well."
However, he was not in favour of giving the permission to the Sunburn festival.
"In the current situation, the decision to allow Sunburn EDM festival is not right. The government should reconsider it as there will be no major boost to tourism from the ED festival since participation will be limited."
Asked to comment on former MLA Kiran Kandolkar's decision to join Goa Forward, D’Souza said it was his personal decision.
"I don't know the reason why he joined the Goa Forward. Everyone is free to join the party of their choice and leaving BJP was his own personal decision,” said D’Souza.
“As far as I am concerned, Mapusa has been the stronghold of BJP for the past 20 years and so, the question of me leaving the party doesn't arise.”
Responding to another query on the municipal elections, the Mapusa MLA said the government is yet to take a decision about the municipal elections.
“Due to the Covid pandemic, I don't think the general public is interested in elections at the moment. Many youth from Mapusa have shown an interest to contest the civic polls and the present municipal council has done a good job.’
“We will start working on a plan once elections are officially announced and there is no need to worry about it right now,” he added.
