OLD GOA
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar has blown the bugle against the Nauxim marina project as he along with the local panch and supporters began door to door awareness campaign at Nauxim, on Saturday.
Borkar explained to locals how the government has waived off Environment Clearance (EC) for the project, thereby giving green signal for the same.
“We should all get united and oppose the project as it will destroy the ecology of the area and will also affect the livelihood of the fishermen,” Borkar said, while appealing to locals to participate in large numbers for the meeting on Monday, on the day of Dussehra.
Borkar informed reporters that he would not allow the marina project to come up at Nauxim at any cost and would plan a statewide agitation, if needed.
On the effects that the project would have, Borkar informed that there are different fish species in the Zuari bay, many of which are endangered.
“If this project comes up, then many fish species will be wiped out,” he added and informed that the very existence of the traditional fishermen will also be at stake due to the project.
“Traditional fishermen not only from Nauxim but from Dona Paula, Odxel, Curca, Siridao, Goa Velha and Agassaim are dependent on the Zuari bay for their survival and they are livelihood is totally dependent on fishing activity, which will be finished if the project comes up here,” Borkar informed.
Apart from the MLA, Goemkars Against Marina (GAM) have also started its movement against the marina project with a meeting planned on October 22 (Sunday).
GAM leader Ramrao Wagh said they have contacted various NGOs, social workers, activists, political representatives and like-minded people from all over Goa who are concerned about the environment.
“During last agitation, we were able to get a large participation of people from all over the State and we are expecting the same on Sunday,” Wagh added while stating that they are already getting support from people from far and wide voicing their opposition to the project.
