CM's Attendance at Bhutani Event Sparks Protests in Sancoale
Activists and residents of Sancoale boo Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for attending event promoted by Bhutani Group, accused of illegalities and hill cuttings.
Bhutani GroupSancoaleGoa GovernmentPramod SawantSuresh PrabhuReal EstateSep 15, 2024
The event, held at Cujira complex, was organized by a media house on the occasion of Engineers Day, with Sawant as the chief guest and former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu as the special guest. However, the presence of Sawant at the event was met with protests from activists and residents, who alleged that the State government was acting like brokers.
Activist Swapnesh Sherlekar, who had given a call to the people to march to the event venue, stated that the Chief Minister's attendance at the event was a clear indication that his government was supporting the interests of Bhutani Group. Sherlekar said, “We were expecting that CM Sawant would skip the event. It was an irony that engineers were protesting on the streets on Engineers Day. It was a disgrace. People booed the CM for attending the function promoted by real estate developer who is accused of committing illegalities and accused of indiscriminate hill cutting at Sancoale.”
Sherlekar further demanded to know how the government logo was used for a private function and if it was a government function then why people were not allowed to attend. The police cannot stop people from attending the government function, he said.
Activist Rama Kankonkar alleged that the government logo was misused and what was missing was the BJP symbol. He alleged that Bhutanis had illegally occupied properties of locals, and were using bouncers to deny entry to locals to go to their properties.
Former Environment and Forest minister Alina Saldanha expressed her concerns over the proposed Bhutani project, stating that it was earlier a private forest area, and it was withdrawn by the government. Saldanha said, “Private forest is a protected area. I fail to understand why the government withdrew it. I fear that there will be destruction of private forest as trees will have to be cut for the mega project. The government had approved the project without considering the pressure on the existing infrastructure like water in Sancoale.”
After the event, former Union minister Suresh Prabhu said, “I wasn’t aware about the controversy. I was invited by the media house. I am of the firm opinion that Goa’s beauty is paramount. In 1998, when I was the union minister for MoEF, I had made a rule that any proposed project must meet people’s permission. Public hearing is absolutely essential. I am sure the government would have done it. People’s wishes have to be taken on board.”
However, the Chief Minister declined to react to media questions.
The organizers of the event, Bhutani Group, have been accused of committing illegalities and indiscriminate hill cuttings in Sancoale. The group has been at the center of controversy for its proposed mega project in the village, which has been met with resistance from locals.
The Government of Goa, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, has been facing criticism for its handling of the situation. The government has been accused of supporting the interests of Bhutani Group, despite the opposition from locals.
The Bhutani Group is a real estate developer with interests in various projects across the country. The group has been accused of committing illegalities and violating environmental regulations in its projects.
The Sancoale village, where the proposed mega project is to be constructed, is a sensitive ecological area. The village is home to several species of flora and fauna, and the proposed project has been met with concerns over its impact on the environment.
The incident has sparked a heated debate over the role of the government in supporting the interests of private developers, despite opposition from locals. The government has been accused of neglecting the concerns of the people and prioritizing the interests of private developers.
The protests in Sancoale have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the decision-making process of the government. The incident has also raised concerns over the impact of mega projects on the environment and the need for sustainable development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the event that sparked the protests in Sancoale?
The event was a function co-sponsored by Bhutani Group, a real estate developer, on the occasion of Engineers Day.
Why were the activists and residents of Sancoale protesting against Bhutani Group?
The activists and residents were protesting against Bhutani Group for committing illegalities and indiscriminate hill cuttings in the village.
Who was the chief guest at the event?
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was the chief guest at the event.
What was the reaction of former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu to the controversy?
Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said that he was not aware of the controversy and that public hearing is essential for any proposed project.
What is the proposed mega project that has been met with resistance from locals?
The proposed mega project is a real estate project by Bhutani Group in Sancoale village, which has been met with concerns over its impact on the environment.
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