In a bid to address growing local opposition, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has extended an open invitation to residents of Chimbel to discuss their concerns regarding the state government's prestigious Unity Mall project. The appeal was made on Monday amid protests from locals who fear the impact on the area's ecology.
Chief Minister's Assurance on Environmental Protection
Sawant directly addressed one of the primary fears of the agitators—the potential destruction of the Toyyar Lake. He gave a firm assurance that the water body would be protected for future generations. "My government identified that lake as a biodiversity lake and we will not destroy it. We will preserve it," the Chief Minister stated emphatically.
He further clarified that the concerns regarding the lake had been reviewed by the biodiversity board, and its preservation is mandated. The project, according to him, has received all necessary clearances from various authorities, including environmental and biodiversity boards, as well as construction licenses.
Project Details and Land Acquisition Clarified
Defending the project's legitimacy, CM Sawant explained that the Unity Mall is being constructed on government land that was acquired nearly a decade ago. He stressed that the government did not interfere with anyone's private land for this development. The mall is envisioned as a solution to relocate government offices currently housed in the dilapidated Junta House, necessitating modern infrastructure.
Political Opposition and Call for Dialogue
Expressing bewilderment at the continued protests, Sawant suggested that some political parties were leveraging the issue for opposition. "Some political parties need some reason to oppose it. Leaders jump into agitations and give lengthy speeches to stop big infrastructure projects coming in the state," he remarked.
He contrasted this with the previous opposition tenure, alleging a lack of such developmental projects. In a conciliatory tone, he urged protesters to engage in direct discussion: "I request agitators to come and meet me in case they have some issues... I don't want to hurt anybody." He positioned the project as essential for Goa's development, stating it is the government's responsibility to bring state-of-the-art projects to fruition.
