from Sanjay Borkar
for Daijiworld Media Network – Margao (SM)

Margao, Oct 23: Keri-Ponda people have posed a challenge to government to scrap the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project at Bhutkhamb-Keri.

In the same place, 10 years ago the NYLON 6,6 project was to be commissioned and later people had erupted to mass agitation to throw the project out. They were successful in their agitation.

People unified under Keri Citizen Action Committee have decided to take to the streets if the government fails to scrap the project. Several meetings were held in this regard and came to conclusion that if the government fails, then they will show their power.

This committee also has hinted that they may repeat the history of NYLON 6,6 if required. During those days when police had resorted firing to disperse the crowd, one youngster died

According to the people, if the SEZ comes in reality here, then they will require electricity and water. For water they will dig borewells which could make big affect on farmers here, as they will not get enough of water irrigation.

Delegations of this committee have submitted a memorandum to Shantaram Naik, member of parliament (Rajyasabha) in this regard and have demanded for scrapping the project.

According to sources one pharmaceutical business house would come under this SEZ, as there is no medical waste treatment plant in Goa, which would be a problem to villagers.