http://oheraldo.in/node/8883
Scrap housing project or face stir: Cuncolim panel to Govt BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 21 — A day after Herald exposed Goa Housing Board's plans to make the controversial housing colony in Cuncolim a reality, the Cuncolim Citizens Action Committee has warned of an unprecedented stir if the government fails to scrap the project forthwith. In a representation forwarded to the CM's office, the Action Committee has resolved not to allow destruction of the environment by ill-conceived, anti-Cuncolkar and anti-Goan schemes. Reminding the Chief Minister of his promises made at a public meeting at Lohia Maidan early last year, the Action Committee said it fails to understand why Rane has now gone back on his word. "The project is going ahead in full steam and a notification to that effect is already published in the government gazette on December 23, 2005. The Minister for Urban Development has been giving assurances of stopping the project, yet nothing has happened", the Committee said. Committee Convenor Oscar Martins pointed out that it should have been easier for the Chief Minister to stop the project since both the ruling as well as the opposition are in agreement over the issue. He said the project is a curse on the village of Cuncolim as the entire peaceful area is bound to be converted into a slum and breeding ground for anti socials like all housing Board colonies such as Davorlim, Upasnagar-Sancoale, New Vaddem, Gogol etc. Incidentally, the Cuncolim Municipal Council has by a resolution dated October 7, 2004 had strongly opposed the Housing Board project. The Chief Minister was informed that even then Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar after hearing the grievances of the people in the presence of Digambar Kamat and Matanhy Saldanha had ordered a halt on the project, inspite of strong opposition from his own Cabinet Minister, Babu Azgaonkar. Copies of the representation have been sent to the Housing Minister Babush Monserrate, Power Minister Digambar Kamat, local MLA and Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao, Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar, Housing Board Chairman, Francis Silveira, MP Shantaram Naik, CMC Chairperson Filon Vaz and the Convenor of Anti-Housing Board Action Committee Altinho Gomes asking them to speak up and oppose the project. The committee has also asked the Parish priest of Cuncolim, Chaplains of Panzorconne and Murida and the President of Shantadurga Cuncolikarin to enlighten the people on the issuee. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England
