Chimbel Villagers to Persist with Maha Andolan Despite Government's Unity Mall Relocation Announcement
In a significant development, protesters in Chimbel, Goa, have declared that the Maha Andolan against the Unity Mall project, scheduled for January 30, will proceed as planned. This announcement came on Thursday, following the state government's decision to move the project out of the village. The tribal villagers expressed appreciation for the government's shift in stance but emphasized that their agitation will not cease until a formal notification is issued to confirm the relocation.
Demand for Legitimate Communication Over Press Notes
The villagers articulated their stance clearly, stating, "We want legitimate communication, not just a press note." This statement was made a day after the Goa government announced its decision to shift both the Unity Mall and Prashan Stambh projects to an alternative site. The tourism department had earlier explained that this move was taken into consideration the "sentiments and emotions" of the local community, who have been engaged in a chain hunger strike for over a month to protect their village and the vital Toyyar Lake.
Disagreement with Government Claims and Call for Transparency
Protesters also voiced their disagreement with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's assertion that the project site falls outside the zone of influence of Toyyar Lake. They have demanded access to the complete survey report to verify these claims. Furthermore, the villagers condemned the government for not consulting the public before proposing the project and called for immediate restoration of the ecological damage inflicted on the site.
Background on the Survey and Government's Stance
Earlier this month, Chief Minister Sawant directed a comprehensive mapping of the wetland and its zone of influence around Toyyar Lake. The survey, which began on January 23, involved representatives from the village, along with experts including a hydrologist, architect, scientists from the National Institute of Oceanography in Goa, members of the wetland authority, DSLR, and the tourism department. The exercise concluded on January 28.
According to tourism officials, the survey findings indicated that the proposed site for the Unity Mall and Prashasan Sthamb is located outside the zone of influence of the Toyyar wetland, as well as the catchment area mapped by the experts engaged by the villagers. Despite this, the protesters remain steadfast in their demand to review the full report and have reiterated that their agitation will persist.
Government's Response and Future Steps
In response to the villagers' demands, the tourism department has stated that a notification regarding the relocation of the Unity Mall and Prashashan stambh will be issued by the Wetland Authority. However, the protesters have made it clear that until such official documentation is provided, their Maha Andolan will continue, underscoring their commitment to safeguarding their environment and ensuring governmental accountability.
