Chimbel Villagers Stage Protest Against Government Projects
Chimbel villagers continued their determined fight against two government projects on Tuesday. They gathered outside the local panchayat office in Panaji to protest the Unity Mall and Prashasan Stambh developments. A heavy police presence watched over the demonstration from the start.
Demand for Dialogue Escalates into Scuffle
Protesters called for Sarpanch Sanjay Shirodkar to come out of the office and talk with them. Their patience wore thin as they waited. A brief scuffle erupted between villagers and police officers when some protesters tried to force their way into the building. Police personnel stopped them from entering.
Authorities informed the crowd that Shirodkar was busy attending a fortnightly meeting. This explanation did little to calm the agitated villagers.
Sarpanch Finally Meets Protesters with Assurances
Sanjay Shirodkar eventually met the protesters in the evening. He assured them of his support for their cause. "I will always stand with the people of Chimbel. I am against the project," Shirodkar stated clearly. He explained that the panchayat rejected the project proposal immediately upon receiving it.
The sarpanch revealed that they challenged the Block Development Officer's order to issue a construction license. This legal matter is scheduled for hearing on January 14.
Community Leaders Express Frustration
Govind Shirodkar, who chairs the Chimbel Wetland Committee, voiced strong criticism. He noted that villagers protested for seventeen consecutive days while the sarpanch remained unavailable at both his home and office. "It has been nine months since the last gram sabha was held," he pointed out.
Shirodkar accused the sarpanch and secretary of wearing blindfolds regarding their responsibilities. He emphasized that the future of Chimbel and Toyyar Lake depends on panchayat decisions, but current officials seem unaware of their duties.
Allegations of Misinformation and Unauthorized Work
Village activist Tukaram Kunkalkar made serious allegations against local MLA Rodolfo Fernandes. He claimed the MLA misleads people by suggesting Chimbel residents oppose the projects for selfish reasons.
The sarpanch described how villagers objected when contractors began cutting trees and barricading the project area. When questioned, workers claimed it was a government project. The panchayat received requests to inspect the site and issue stop-work orders.
This protest highlights growing tensions between Chimbel residents and authorities over development projects affecting their community. The situation remains unresolved as legal proceedings continue and community opposition persists.
