Assolda villagers turn up heat against jetties

Margao: Residents of Assolda, Quepem, will have a special gram sabha on Sunday to strengthen their opposition against proposed jetties in the village.

The announcement for the special meet comes after local MLA Nilesh Cabral, who faced criticism last week, pledged his support with the community. Villagers also threatened to take their protest to the streets if their demands to scrap the jetty proposals were not met.

The issue gained momentum after a gram sabha in Nov where residents unanimously passed a resolution prohibiting the panchayat from issuing construction licences for the jetties. Social activist Aditya Dessai raised questions about the approvals for the projects, noting that NOCs were granted during Cabral’s tenure as environment minister.

Environmental concerns are at the fore of the opposition, with residents highlighting threats to mangroves and coconut groves.

Assolda sarpanch Custodio Fernandes assured villagers of the panchayat’s support in opposing the project.

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