NT Reporter
Curchorem
After sustained opposition from villagers of Hodar and Xelvona, following a meeting with the Environment Expert Appraisal Committee in Panaji, it was assured that the proposed jetty projects will be shelved.
On Friday, villagers from Hodar and Xelvona, along with residents of Curchorem, attended a meeting with members of the Environment Expert Appraisal Committee. South Goa ZP chairman Sidharth Gauns Desai, former panch Manojkumar Naik and MLA Nilesh Cabral were also present. Project proponent Dinar Tarkar attended the meeting.
After discussions, Tarkar agreed to withdraw the project if local villagers did not want it. Gauns Desai told reporters that the committee and Tarkar heard the sentiments of the people, and Tarkar declared that he would give up the project considering those sentiments.
Former panch Manojkumar Naik said, āOn February 23, we had launched a morcha on the office of the Environment Department. On that day todayās meeting was fixed to discuss the final decision on the subject.ā
He said that villagers expressed their views on the adverse effects of the proposed jetties and demanded that the project be stopped. Accordingly, Tarkar declared that he would not construct the jetties in the area.
MLA Nilesh Cabral said that fuel was added to fire by statements that the jetties were being constructed for handling coal.
Tarkar said that his intention was not to handle coal at the proposed jetties.
During the meeting, it was decided to close down the project. However, after receiving the minutes of the meeting, the future course of action will be decided, he said.
