Dear Netters, Led by an advisor to the Governor of Goa, Brig (retd.) Ian D'Costa, a representative each of the Salmona Pariyavaran Manch and Saligao Civic and Consumer Cell met the Governor this morning (7 April 2005).
The delegation handed over a memorandum signed by 1089 villagers of Saligao, petitioning the Governor to save their world-famous Salmona Spring from construction and destruction. The trio also updated the Governor on the latest situation in Salmona and urged him to intervene urgently as construction was on at tremendous speed, even as the villagers' tempers were rising equally fast. The Governor promised to act immediately and hopefully Saligaokars can soon hope for an injuction on the destructive construction or a permanent revocation of licence. Text of the petition follows: Salmona Pariyavaran Manch (Salmona Environment Forum) c/o Arun Sawant, Near Sharvani Temple, Salmona. Saligao. Bardez. Goa. 403511. 1st April 2005 To, The Governor of Goa, Panaji. Goa. Your Excellency, We the residents of Saligao, would like to preserve the entire Salmona Spring area in our village as a protected forest, bird sanctuary and conservation area. This needs to be done in order to protect the rich biodiversity of this unique bit of natural heritage left to us by our ancestors. To this end the residents have resolved to make the Salmona Spring and its surroundings into a conservation zone, with the following provisions: No construction. No tree cutting. No hunting and killing of wild life. No garbage dumping and littering. No street lighting and urban development. No air and water pollution. No vehicle washing and similar polluting activities. An eco-friendly fence around the conservation area. To prevent pollution, phased out toilet activity on the hill, with immediate installation of Sulabh Souchalayas for each house in the area as well as just outside the fence. When acquired, the government should preserve it as a protected forest, bird sanctuary and conservation area and not develop it as a tourist spot like our beaches. Thank you. Signed by 1089 Saligaokars. ---------------------------------------------------------------- -- .................................................... muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 2409999 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
