Residents of Chimbel village in Goa have been joined by people from Bambolim and Nauxim in a sustained hunger strike, marking a significant escalation in their protest against the proposed Unity Mall and a 17-storey administrative tower called Prashaasan Stambh. The villagers, who have been on strike for two weeks, are now planning to intensify their agitation with a march to the residence of local MLA Rodolfo Fernandes this Sunday.
Protests Spread Like Wildfire Across Villages
The core protest, led by the Chimbel Wetland Committee, has now gained wider support. Govind Shirodkar, the committee's chairman, stated that after protesting outside the panchayat office for two days with no response, the movement has grown. "Villagers from Bambolim and Nauxim joined us to spread our message like a wildfire," Shirodkar said, highlighting the expanding community opposition to the projects.
At the heart of the conflict is the allegation that the Chimbel panchayat granted a construction license to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) for these projects. This decision was made despite the gram sabha passing resolutions on three separate occasions to oppose any development near the ecologically sensitive Toyaar Lake.
Environmental and Livelihood Concerns Take Center Stage
Protesters and activists argue that the construction will have devastating consequences. Advocate Suresh Palkar, treasurer of the Gakuved Federation, voiced the collective fear, stating, "These projects will destroy biodiversity and villagers’ lives in Chimbel." The protesters emphasize that the government, while claiming to be open for discussion, has not taken concrete action to address their concerns.
"When will the government listen? It must act now," Palkar added, reflecting the growing impatience among the villagers. The protest is not just about a single building but is framed as a fight to protect local ecology and the way of life of the communities dependent on it.
Plans for Escalation and a Warning to the Government
With their hunger strike entering a critical phase, the villagers have laid out a clear plan for escalating their demonstrations. Following the planned march to the MLA's residence, they have issued a stern warning. If their demands are not met, they will organize a major rally to the state assembly complex on January 15.
This move is intended to bring the issue directly to the doorstep of the state's legislative body, seeking a political resolution to a dispute that has so far been ignored at the local panchayat level. The coming days are set to be crucial as the united front of villagers from Chimbel, Bambolim, and Nauxim seeks to halt what they see as a destructive development project.
