VELIM VILLAGERS DEMAND SCRAPPING CUTBONA EXPANSION PROJECT

MARGAO: Bending to the stiff opposition by the people of Cutbona, the government has suspended the process for acquisition of 30,000 sq mts of land for the expansion of the Cutbona Harbour complex but decided to appoint a consultant at a meeting held on late Tuesday night. However, the government decision failed to mollify the agitating Velim villagers, who held a dharna on Wednesday demanding that the project be scrapped altogether.

This project has been generating a lot of heat after villagers took umbrage that the government began the land acquisition process without conducting any impact assessment study. The villagers said the government has not factored into the infrastructure requirements of the expanded harbour. They complained that even at present the village did not have proper sewerage facilities and a regular and steady supply of water and electricity and if the project was okayed then it would put great stress on the already overburdened infrastructure.

The communiqué from the deputy collector and land acquisition officer, Mr Agnelo Fernandes, which was delivered to the Velim sarpanch, Ms Rene Caeiro, said the government has sent a message that the "30,0000 sq mts extension of the Cutbona jetty has been presently put on hold".

The sarpanch told the media persons that she attended the meeting with the fisheries department and the Fisheries Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao late Tuesday night and the minister told her that "if the people did not want it I will scrap the project".

At the high-level meeting held at the residence of the Water Resources Minister and local MLA, Mr Filipe Neri Rodrigues, the decision to appoint the consultant to carry out a study on the existing fishing jetty at Cutbona and requirements if any for further expansion was taken. Present at the meeting were Mr Alemao, Mr Fernandes and Ms Caeiro.

The decision was that the land acquisition process would be kept on hold till the consultant submits his report on all aspects of the fishing jetty. The fisheries department is to invite an expression of interest to appoint the consultant.

On Tuesday at a press meet the Cutbona Boat Owners Union, while maintaining that a fish meal plant would have solved many problems faced by mechanised fishing industry due to lack of infrastructure, said the boat owners would not press for the fish meal plant at Cutbona if the villagers of Velim and Ambelim are opposed to the project. The CBOU sought an alternate site for the project.

On Sunday gram sabhas of Velim and Ambelim village panchayats unanimously resolved to oppose the fish meal project. (NT)
NIZ GOENKAR ADDS: These are the brave people of Goa who had the guts and courage to stand before the unwanted elements of the State.  Likewise if all the people of Goa take a firm stand.  Goa will remain the same beautiful, green pristine GOA of the Goans.  Unity is all that is required for this great achievement!