Fatorda MLA slams CM for refusing to meet activists protesting Bhutani project

Team herald

MARGAO: Goa Forward Party (GFA) president Vijai Sardesai has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, accusing him of siding with the builders at the cost of the people of Goa in the ongoing controversy surrounding Bhutani’s Sancoale project.

“Yesterday’s (Sunday) incident where the Chief Minister refused to meet activists opposing Bhutani’s Sancoale project while he was attending a meeting sponsored by the company, has made Goemkars wonder if our CM has become the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hill Cutting Builders Association,” Sardesai said on Monday.

The Fatorda MP reminded Sawant of his recent commitment to the assembly to review the Sancoale project and stressed that it is the people of Goa, and not “unscrupulous builders”, who elect leaders to office.

He also pointed to fresh revelations of irregularities in connection with the Bhutani project and criticized the government’s refusal to take action. Sardesai accused the entire cabinet of acting as go-betweens for builders, and further alleged that the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has become a “One Window Clearance” system for the land mafia.

“The people of Goa will not remain silent,” Sardesai warned, adding that they are ready to take to the streets to fight against the destruction of Goa’s hills. He also referred to the growing public frustration among the socio-economic and environmentally conscious citizens of South Goa over what he described as the government’s disregard for the environment and lack of accountability regarding project approvals.

The GFP leader also cited what former minister Suresh Prabhu said on Sunday about the need for the state to examine the carrying capacity of villages before allowing such projects. He stressed that the consent of villagers cannot be circumvented.