Old Goa locals meet, appoint committees
the goan I network
OLD GOA
Residents of Old Goa have decided on a multi-pronged strategy to fight against setting up of the proposed garbage treatment plant at Bainguinim.
The decision was taken as members of the Pornem Goencho Nagrik Manch met at Bainguinim on Tuesday evening to decide on the future course of action.
The multi-pronged strategy includes legal action, protests, involvement of a wider audience and successful use of media platforms.
On the legal front, it was decided to approach the NGT on immediate basis as there is only a 30-day period to do so.
“For fighting the case in the NGT, we need to appoint an expert lawyer in the field and one who travels to Delhi on regular basis as the NGT is based in Delhi,” NIO scientist Arwind Saran informed.
A number of lawyers’ names were suggested. However, it was later decided to finalise a lawyer on Friday.
It was also decided to file a parallel case in the High Court as well.
On the protest front, a decision was taken to create awareness on the ill-effects of the plant in the neighbouring villages like Curca, Neura, Azossim Mandur, Corlim, Cumbarjua, and other villages, so that more people are involved in the agitation.
Sameer Volvoikar from Corlim said a mass agitation is required with the participation of thousands of people.
“Local representatives of neighbouring panchayats, religious leaders, etc have to be approached to garner wider support,” he stated.
It was also decided to hold a protest on Sunday in Old Goa to put forth the point to the government that the people will continue opposition to the plant at any cost.
Ambar Amonkar, president of the manch, also informed that their members are in touch with the reputed school and hospital authorities for their support.
“We are also going to garner the support of religious authorities,” Amonkar said, while stating that help of heritage experts should also be sought as the historic fort wall of Goa is located inside the plant site.
A decision was also taken to use the social media platform to spread the message about why the people are opposing the project.
“People are still not aware about the real reasons why the people are opposing the plant,” one of the residents stated and advocated the need to effectively use the social media to convey the right message to the public.
At the end of the meeting, various committees were appointed which will take care of the heritage aspect, legal aspect and protests.
Carambolim Sarpanch Uttam Murgaonkar and panch Rajesh Naik were present.
Meanwhile, several residents complained of feeling sick when the CCP garbage was dumped in Carambolim on Monday night.
“The stink from the garbage was unbearable and several residents began to vomit. Just imagine what would be the case when hundreds of garbage trucks pass through residential areas if the plant is allowed to be set up,” a resident posed at the meeting.
