CAPTAIN VIRENDRA MEHTA ON VERGE OF DESTROYING GOA by P. Cruz, Vasco Da Gama

Naroa Sarpanch Grilled by Niz Goenkar, Utt Goeankar and Goenchea Xetkareancho Ekvott also by press Herald, Times of India, HCN, Goa 365 & Prudent

BICHOLIM: Naroa Sarpanch Laxman Malvankar & Panchayat Secretary S M Patre were grilled by Nizgoenkar, Utt Goenkar and Goenchea Xetkareancho Ekvott for due to lack of action in Mangrove destruction case against Captain Virendra Metha. This mega Project is coming up in the ward were the sarpanch is elected and he has kept quiet about it saying the Government is not helping him. The Project is called Sea Scan and available on site.

Naroa lady Panch, Sarpanch & Secretary

This Mega Project consists of Coal & Mines handling same like Vasco and this will lead a bad effect on environment. A big Jetty will be installed and the coal will be transported by sea-link and also railways. They will extend the railway line unto the jetty for coal transportation and will cut down the green environment. They also have speed boats for the tourism and big hotels with luxurious rooms for the guest were lot of drugs and prostitution chances are abundant. There is also the Water ballast Tanks, this are used to wash and clean the Ships. This will bring lot of various ships for cleaning and the waste will be dumped into the Mondovi River causing a hazard to the fish and micro organism. Also a dry dock will be coming over there to build and repair the ships.

Niz Goenkar & Other Activists

The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority had issued a stop work order to the property owner for felling mangroves in June this year. The ports administration also issued a show cause notice in the same connection for construction of retaining wall against the banks of the River Mandovi. Instead of this Capt Metha is developing the work with full swing neglecting the orders of the authorities. While question to the Sarpanch by the activist as why Capt. Metha is not arrested or why a case has not been registered for cutting almost 400 mangroves and filling the area to make a jetty. The sarpanch could not answer the questions as he must be having received some kick backs for the same. Even the Panchayat Secretary who is so powerful could not answer the question put by Nigoenkar, Utt Goenkar & Xettkareacho Ekvott. While questioning we came to know that even the villagers and the panch members are not aware of this so called project. When asked the same question with the sarpanch he informed that he knew nothing about the Sea Scan Project. How this can be possible when the Sarpanch does not know what is going on in his area, and then the entire activist asked his resignation. Captain Metha is fooling the people with his chamchas that he will provide employment to the locals, when we contacted the locals they say they are not aware of what kind of Job they will give and what kind of Project is going on. If this project is completed lot of vegetations, the remaining mangroves, the rain and the species will disappear. Also this will have a major effect on Jua (St. Esteavam) as there will be floods in the rainy season due to cutting of mangroves and building a jetty.



Destroyed Mangrove



The secretary of the panchayat has said two notices are given to Capt. Metha and he responded by saying he has done nothing. How this can happen, look at the photos and on site what has been done, why the panchayat remain quiet. Sarpanch Mr. Malvankar blamed the government for not supporting, but the activist stopped him saying this and informed him that he was quiet for four months. The panchayat adopted a resolution to send a memo but still it has not been issued. The secretary and sarpanch were searching some papers but could not find it in the file or in the cupboard. This matter is not even taken to gram sabha and when asked the sarpanch said no one asked him about this. The sarpanch and the secretary were question so much they even did not have the answers. There was sweat coming out from both of them as they were told they are not performing the duties as per the law. Even the Nizgoenkar asked him to seal the property for violation of the law which could be done easily as no NOC are issued for them to start the project and it is not yet approved. Even the flying squad is not aware of this project or they must have remained quiet for some reason.

Capt. Metha has constructed a road; he has cut down the mangroves and also constructed a house there without any license. But he denies the charges all of this and says the mangroves, road and house was done before he purchased the property. Some of the activist also asked the sarpanch and the secretary whether they are Goans and feel for Goa, they replied yes they are Goans and feel for Goans. But when asked why the action is not taken place they were quiet, the sarpnch informed then after sometime that the people require this project. We informed him that people do not know about this project and does not support it. Even we asked some of the locals, some are not aware of it is this project but they are aware of something is happening. Some of the educated locals do not require this project but they are kept quiet by the goons of the captain. Is this going to be another disaster for Goa by not opposing it right now? Yes definitely this will be one and the St. Esteavam Island will perish after some time as the current carrying the water will come inward and after the proper jetty is constructed the level of water will rise due to filling. There is a Hindu Religious “Tirt” as the elders were worshipping which they will be destroy. We Goans are taken for ride all the non goans are investing the money in Goa and we are taken for granted. Now the Indian Government has requested the Swiss bank to show the accounts of the Indians and they will come up shortly so that is why all the Swiss account holders are investing the money in Goa. They think that Goans are divided and susegad!

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