Village body cites missing clearances and public opposition
Residents argue that the proposed site is a wetland area next to Chimbel lake, which is ecologically sensitive.
PANAJI
The Chimbel panchayat has reiterated its opposition to the Unity Mall and the 'Prashasan Stamb' (Administration Tower) projects, both of which are proposed near Toyar Lake in the village. At a special meeting held on Thursday, the panchayat unanimously rejected the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) application seeking construction permission.
Chimbel Sarpanch Sandesh Shirodkar cited stiff opposition to the projects by the local population for the decision to reject GTDC's applications at Thursday's meeting. "The people of Chimbel village do not want these projects. The panchayat will stand firmly with the people of the village," Shirodkar said.
In the past, the two projects were opposed by an overwhelming majority at at least three separate gram sabha meetings.
Meanwhile, the GTDC had applied for permission and licences before the panchayat, but the latter rejected it as many mandatory documents necessary to be filed along with the application were incomplete. The panchayat has noted multiple reasons for rejecting the application.
In a related development, the Bombay High Court at Goa on Thursday directed the State government to begin the construction process only after obtaining all the permissions necessary for the 'Unity Mall'.
The High Court direction has been welcomed by the villagers of Chimbel.
Meanwhile, Govind Shirodkar, who heads the Biodiversity Management Committee of the Chimbel panchayat, has levelled serious allegations against the government.
Talking to the media outside the panchayat on Thursday, Govind Shirodkar said that the government is laying the foundation for the work even without having formally sought permissions from the local panchayat.
"What kind of a law is this?" Shirodkar asked, while expressing concern that not only the people of Chimbel but also citizens from other areas depend on the Toyar Lake, which will be under threat and the local biodiversity destroyed if the projects come up.
Shirodkar said serious consequences will ensue, with people willing to agitate if the government tries to pressure the Chimbel panchayat body to get the requisite permissions.
