Residents of St Jacinto Island, Chicalim, on Sunday resolved to oppose any future plans of the State government or the local body to utilise the pristine St Jacinto Island for tourism-related activities.
The residents took the decision at a meeting in St Jacinto Island Church hall on Sunday.
The island, which is known for its pristine beauty, has about 150 families, but most of the people have migrated to other places due to business and professional activities. However, none of the villagers have sold any land to outsiders for the last many years so as to maintain its identity.
The recently constructed bridge to connect the island has beautified the island, besides lighthouse, churches and ancestors houses.
“Since the time bridge is constructed, we have been hearing that St Jacinto Island will be utilised for tourism-related activities and we are against it,” said Dr Natalina Rebello.
“We have preserved the pristine beauty of the island, which is the only remembrance of our ancestors. At any cost, we do not want this island to be utilised for tourism-related activities,” said Dr Rebello.
“Tourism activities will lead to anti-social activities that would destroy peace in the village,” added Dr Rebello.
Echoing similar views, another villager, Tony Fernandes, said that villagers are against any future plans of the State government or the local body to utilise the island for tourism purpose.
“Villagers have heard about such plans to utilise the island for tourism-related activities,” said Fernandes failing to specify the sources from whom the villagers have heard about it.
Refuting people’ claim, ward Panch and former Chicalim sarpanch Anacleto D’Souza termed it as “political propaganda”.
“About one year back, people have spread similar rumour, which was later clarified by convening a meeting with the villagers. However, few people who want to create their political ground for the next panchayat elections have reopened the issue,” said D’Souza.
He further said that he has never come across such plans proposed either by the State government or the village panchayat. “If people have any doubts, they should inquire with the government or the local body,” he added.
[Source]
