The Goa government has reportedly assured its citizens that it stands committed to protecting jal, jungle, jameen, i.e. water, forests and land. This promise needs to be matched with decisive action with regards to the proposed Unity Mall and Prashasas Stambh project near Toyyar lake in Chimbel. For over three weeks, villagers in Chimbel have been agitating to scrap the twin project and protect their land and the fragile ecosystem surrounding the lake. Toyyar lake and its surrounding landscape are a treasure house of biodiversity. The destruction or degradation of the ecosystem has long-term and often irreversible consequences. The proposed Unity Mall and Prashasas Stambh may be projected as symbols of development and national pride, but development cannot come at the cost of ecological destruction and social injustice. Standing with the villagers of Chimbel and safeguarding Toyyar lake would be a meaningful step toward ensuring that jal, jungle, jameen are protected not just in speeches, but on the ground. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will reportedly be meeting the Chimbelkars today, January 21. Hopefully there will be meaningful dialogue and the issue settled in favour of the villagers.
