Residents of Chimbel village in Goa have intensified their protest against a major construction project, calling upon people from neighboring villages to join a large-scale demonstration. The villagers have been on a hunger strike for seven days, opposing the building of a Unity Mall and a 17-storey administrative tower known as the Prashaasan Stambh.
Court Upholds Stay Order, Directs GTDC to Maintain Status Quo
In a significant development, the district court on Friday reiterated an earlier stay order issued on December 6, halting all construction work on the controversial mall. The court specifically instructed the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) to maintain the status quo. This directive came after protesting residents alleged that the GTDC was continuing with the construction activities despite the existing legal stay.
Villagers Vow to Continue Fight, Criticize Local MLA
The protest has garnered strong local leadership. Govind Shirodkar, the president of the Gakuved Federation, has vowed to persist with the resistance. "We will continue the fight to resist this project. We will also be successful in getting this project scrapped," Shirodkar asserted, reflecting the determination of the community.
Expressing deep disappointment with their political representative, a Chimbel resident highlighted the absence of support during their week-long ordeal. "We are on a hunger strike for seven days. We did not see our MLA visit our booth and talk to the residents. This is a clear example of self-interest," the resident stated, underscoring the feeling of neglect.
Maha Sabha Planned for January 4
To amplify their voice, the villagers have now requested residents from nearby areas to join a major gathering, a maha sabha, scheduled for January 4. This move aims to consolidate community support and present a united front against the project, which they believe is being imposed without adequate consideration for local concerns.
The situation remains tense as the legal battle and public protest converge. With the court's firm order and the villagers' unwavering resolve, the future of the Unity Mall and Prashaasan Stambh project in Chimbel hangs in the balance.
