NT Reporter
Mapusa
Tivim locals, including members of the Dhangar community, along with supporters of NGOs and social activists, on Thursday evening held a protest against alleged hill cutting at the site of a proposed private university at Cansa.
They raised concerns over environmental destruction and its potential impact on villagers living downhill.
The project has been sanctioned by the government. Police personnel were present.
“Hill cutting is being carried out using excavator machines. Many trees have been felled,” said locals, adding that electricity poles had been erected for the project and alleged that irrigation canal water was being used.
Citing the Chimbel protest, they said Tivim hill could be saved, and appealed to villagers to unite.
Godfrey D’Lima, a local and comunidade gaonkar, said that villagers had come together because Tivim was under attack and the government was destroying the village. He said the site was a laterite hill.
“We have been protesting against the project and even a resolution was taken opposing the project, but nothing is being done. The panchayat says the project has been sanctioned by the Investment Promotion Board. Our lawyer has also vanished after we lost the case. For four months I have been asking for a judgement copy and file, but it’s not been given to me,” said D’Lima.
Another local said there was anxiety and fear among villagers, as road widening for the project could put their houses under threat.
Activist Avertano Miranda said the concept of Investment Promotion Board (IPB) was for business, and education was not business. He questioned how the university project was allowed when Goa University already existed.
“This is the most destructive project because hill cutting is illegal and one cannot destroy the ecology of the village. People are living downhill and this project will affect the houses as there will be contamination of wells. Tree cutting has to stop,” said Miranda. He warned of holding bigger protests.
Tivim Panchayat member Shivdas Kambli was present and said the panchayat extended full support to villagers against the project. He said the file had been sent for legal opinion and that the panchayat would take action accordingly.
