Daijiworld Media Network - Old Goa

Old Goa, Jan 31: A massive show of dissent was witnessed at Old Goa on Friday as villagers from Chimbel, along with NGOs, social activists and political leaders, gathered at a public meeting rechristened as the ‘Maha Melava’ to oppose the proposed Unity Mall and Prashasan Stambh projects.

The protesters resolved to continue their agitation until they receive official, legal and administrative confirmation that both projects have been shifted from their proposed sites at the Kadamba Plateau in Chimbel. They also demanded the re-notification of Toyyar Lake as a wetland by incorporating suggestions and objections raised by locals, and called for the restoration of the Unity Mall construction site to its original condition.

Strong objections were raised against a letter issued by Tourism Director Kedar Naik regarding the relocation of the projects. Activists pointed out that while the Unity Mall falls under the Tourism Department and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, the Prashasan Stambh comes under the General Administration Department, requiring separate decisions and notifications.

Local activist and protest leader Ajay Kholkar questioned the authority of the Tourism Director over the Prashasan Stambh project. He said villagers reject the Tourism Department’s letter and demanded that separate written communications be issued by the concerned departments clearly stating that both projects are being shifted from Chimbel. He also stressed the need to restore the damaged area and notify it properly as a wetland.

Extending support to the protest, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao criticised the government, alleging that people were being misled. Wetland Committee Chairman Govind Shirodkar also questioned the Tourism Director’s role in the matter. Social activist and theatre personality Devidas Amonkar condemned the manner in which development was being pursued in the state, raising concerns over Gram Sabha resolutions being overruled and the lack of clarity on expenditure claimed by the government.

The protest, initially planned at Azad Maidan in Panjim, was shifted to Old Goa after the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita on January 30, which prohibited public gatherings across Panjim. The meeting began at Gandhi Circle, Old Goa, with the slogan ‘Aamche Toye, Amka Zai’.

Several political leaders, including Goa Congress president Amit Patkar and AAP Goa president Valmiki Naik, were present, highlighting the growing political and civil opposition to the two government projects.