Residents in the ecologically fragile twin-islands of Chorao and Divar have reportedly opposed the government’s proposal to designate Divar as a tourism village. The villagers have unanimously rejected the idea, along with plans for large housing projects, particularly those with more than 12 flats, including those with swimming pools. The villagers are against developments that will change the essence of the peaceful community. The villagers were worried that mega housing projects would increase the island’s population density, straining resources and changing the village character and cause harm to the environment. Villagers have also disapproved of building a jetty for luxury yacht operations. In multiple resolutions the Goltim-Navelim gram sabha reportedly opposed all the major tourism related and mega housing projects for which the residents must be complimented. Be that as it may, we need to conserve the essence of village life which is slowly but surely losing its peace. If mega projects like the proposed Bhutani project in Sancoale are allowed, the demography of our villages will change forever. Villagers need to come together to save their respective villages from land sharks.
