Khotigao group opposes forest check post, slams Speaker

Members of the Khotigao Jagruth Nagrik Sanghatna while addressing a news conference at Chaudi on Saturday.

CANACONA
The Khotigao Jagruth Nagrik Sanghatna has sharply criticised Speaker and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar for his alleged statements on the proposed check post by the Forest Department at Piplamall-Khotigao and threatened an agitation if the construction works were not stopped immediately.

Addressing a news conference in Chaudi-Canacona on Saturday, the Sanghatana reacted to reported statements by Tawadkar who is alleged to have said there is no reason to oppose the check post and that, if a check post exists, than wood will not be smuggled.

“We strongly oppose and protest against this statement directed against all villagers of Khotigao. The Jagruti Nagarik Sanghatana consists only of people from the village,” said Kalpesh Gaonkar.

“These people cannot steal wood from Khotigao because the forest department has check posts at Partagal, Bhatpal and Ambe Ghat. Our MLA should clarify as to who exactly he is suspecting of theft of wood.”

“When people came together to stop the construction by the forest department, Tawadkar had rushed to the spot at that time and asked the workers to stop the work saying it should not be carried out if local people do not want it. And now, the same Tawadkar is saying there is no reason to oppose this same construction? Why this double role,” questioned Gaonkar.

“We won’t lag behind but intensify our agitation with the support of other villages and the entire constituency, if illegal construction is not stopped  at Pimplamall,” he warned.

Other speakers also reacted strongly to a Forest department official’s claim that a person is involved in producing jaggery and is bringing truckloads of wood for that work.

“Along with the seasonal jaggery production project, there are other seasonal projects like cashew distillation units and others which need firewood. Besides, all people of Khotigao use dry wood from the forest for firewood for cooking, and for their related activities,” said a resident.

“Has the forest department conducted checks on illegal hoardings of woods from the forest anywhere or on anyone in the village? Without checks how, can responsible forest officials shoot in the air?”

“These people do not allow traditional pathways for people who have been living for generations, but these very people have made paths and roads in the dense forest for people from all over the world to wander/roam.”

Added another resident: “Because of the attitude of these officials, there is still no road in Nadkem-Keri village. The road in Pansulemal village is half-finished. People of Malli village had to boycott voting at the previous Lok Sabha polls the road.

Dilkush Gaonkar, Gajanan Velip and Krishna Gaonkar were among the many others who were present and spoke at the press briefing at Chaudi.