Residents of Chimbel village in Goa have launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding the immediate cancellation of two major construction projects – the Unity Mall and a 17-storey building named Prashaasan Stambh. The protest, which began on Sunday, underscores a deepening conflict between local communities and state authorities over land use and environmental concerns.
Allegations of Legal Disregard and Environmental Threat
Govind Shirodkar, president of the Gakuved Federation, accused the government of blatantly ignoring judicial authority. He stated that construction resumed despite a stay order issued by the court on December 6. "The government has completely disregarded the court’s authority," Shirodkar asserted. He criticized the approvals process, claiming the state simply declared the land was not a wetland without proper verification, all while framing the project as development work under the Prime Minister’s vision.
The villagers' primary fear is the ecological impact on the vital Toyaar Lake and its surrounding aquifers. Ajay Kolekar, a functionary of Revolutionary Goans, emphasized the community's deep emotional and practical connection to the water body. "Our message through this hunger strike is that if the lake is destroyed, the village will also be destroyed," Kolekar said. Protesters, dressed in traditional tribal attire, highlighted that tribal livelihoods are intrinsically linked to the lake's biodiversity.
A Cry for Basic Amenities Over 'Development'
The protest also casts a harsh light on the perceived neglect of villagers' essential needs. Anna Gracias, a Chimbel resident, posed a poignant question, listing the community's lack of basic infrastructure. "We don't have access to a basic health centre. We don't have a market to sell our produce, forcing us to do it on the streets. Some even lack proper drinking water," she said. "How is the government building projects on land whose residents are struggling for survival?"
Shirodkar further alleged a betrayal in the governance process, claiming the government failed to seek the mandatory consent of villagers. He pointed a finger at the local Sarpanch, accusing them of initially supporting the villagers but later helping the government secure approvals. "Even the Portuguese didn't treat us the way they are," he added, invoking a powerful historical comparison.
The Road Ahead: Escalating Protest
The villagers have resolved to continue their hunger strike until January 3. Following this, they plan to intensify their agitation by conducting a Maha Sabha (large assembly) on January 4. Their stand is clear: the protest will escalate until their demand to scrap both the Unity Mall and Prashaasan Stambh projects is met. This movement represents a significant challenge to the state's development narrative, framed around environmental preservation, legal integrity, and social justice.
