MAPUSA
Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) Vice-Chairman and Mapusa MLA Johsua D’Souza on Friday said the protests against the Cunchelim project was to derive “political mileage” as the comunidade had all the necessary permissions to develop plots in their land.
He also said that Cunchelim comunidade has provided enough space for a football ground and some allied activities in the area.
“According to my information, the comunidade has got the permission of the North Goa Planning and Development Authority as well as the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC),” D'Souza said.
Some political parties along with civil citizens have been in the forefront opposing the Cunchelim plan to convert the open space into plots.
They maintained that the open space be retained as a cricket ground for posterity.
According to Mapusa MLA, the protesters were trying to derive some political mileage from the incident as municipal elections were due.
“They had not approached me. It seems to be an activity to derive political mileage. Everyone who goes there is intending to be seen. Nobody is bothered about the people of the Cunchelim,” he said.
He said those who protest make it look like there is no ground and there are only plots.
“The claim is for the cricket ground. There is a (football) ground but there is no cricket ground. The (football) ground is shown on the plan and as well as space for allied activities is provided,” he said.
D’Souza said he was ready to back people who were ready to substantiate their claims.
“If there are any illegalities, I am going to be with the people and ensure that it’s done in the right way,” he added.
