Sancoale unanimously opposes shifting casinos to River Zuari

Hosts of other issues including opposition to the mega projects, pollution in the fields at Sancoale and pending decision on Kala Bhavan were discussed in the meeting that was chaired by Sancoale Sarpanch Ramakant Borkar.

Borkar informed the gram sabha members about the resolution adopted, in past, by the panchayat and also by the gram sabha to oppose the marinas.

He said that the Panchayat would strongly oppose shifting of casinos to River Zuari. The gram sabha members slammed the government for such proposal.

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The members claimed that the Goa State Biodiversity Board has already declared the Sancoale bay as biodiversity heritage hotspot and when the villagers unanimously opposed setting up of marinas in the village, having casinos in the neighborhood of Sancoale village is out of questions

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Similarly, a villager raised the issue of increasing pollution in River Zuari due to barge repair yards located on the river bank.

Gram sabha members claimed that due to pollution created by the ship building/ repair yards, marine spices available in Sancoale bay are at threat.

It was suggested that the panchayat should write to the department concerned including Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to check the water samples from Zuari River bank, especially near the barge repair yards and the same should be done periodically.

“The gram sabha has unanimously resolved to oppose the offshore casinos, marinas and even the scrapping works of barges as it could make adverse impact on the environment”, stated Borkar.

The sarpanch also disclosed that the Zuari Agro Chemical Ltd has shown interest in cultivating the fields of traditional farmers who are residing in Sancoale panchayat jurisdiction.

“The ZACL has decided to cultivate fields of the traditional farmers free of cost which would help the farmers to save their money,” informed Borkar.

He disclosed that a meeting has been convened by the ZACL in order to discuss the issue of cultivation, on August 14, at 10 am, at Our Lady of Health Church Hall.