In a significant victory for the people of Chicalim and environmental activists, the Captain of Ports Department has commenced the restoration of over 4,000 square meters of illegally reclaimed jetty land in Chicalim. The land, which was reclaimed by M/s Abhishek Engineers Pvt Ltd, will now be restored to its original condition following a 15-year-long battle led by the Chicalim Villagers Action Committee (CVAC).
On 5th March 2025, a joint inspection was conducted by officials from the Captain of Ports, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, Goa State Biodiversity Board, DRDA South, and local stakeholders including President and General Secretary of CVAC to assess the progress. This long-awaited action is seen as a major environmental victory for Chicalim, ensuring the protection of the region’s ecological balance and coastal integrity.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rui M. Da Costa Araujo, General Secretary of CVAC claimed that their hard work has borne fruit. A fifteen-year struggle for justice has turned sweet with this victory and it was pleasant to see the restoration work in progress.
Mr. Cyril Fernandes, President of CVAC expresses happiness at the development. He however cautioned the members of the Captain of Ports and DRDA that they should apply scientific methods to progress further and have a detailed scope of work carried out and followed.
Mr. Fernandes further exhorted all Goan activist to always follow the methodology of the CVA which carries out detail study of the subject, does background research, uses scientific data and acts diligently with strong commitment. He also warned that any agitation should not be politicised but be neutral and sincerely continued until success is begotten.
He thanked all the other CVAC members for their commitment and sacrifices suffered to achieve this victory. He said this is not victory of CVAC but that of the villagers of entire villages of Chicalim, Dabolim and Sao Jacinto.
CVAC Truimphs: Chicalim Panchayat revokes Trade Licence of Abhishek Engineers.
V.P. Chicalim, in the meanwhile, has officially suspended the trade license of M/s Abhishek Engineers for illegally reclaiming land from the Zuari River at Chicalim Bay. The suspension order, issued on 4th March 2025, comes after persistent efforts by the Chicalim Villagers Action Committee (CVAC), which has fought a 15-year-long battle to restore the land to its original condition.
The Panchayat has made it clear that the trade license will remain suspended until the Captain of Ports Department certifies that the restoration work of the illegally reclaimed land is reverted back to its original condition has been satisfactorily completed. The decision follows mounting concerns over environmental damage caused by unauthorized reclamation that Abhishek Engineers carried out blatantly in 2010 onwards.
CVAC President Cyril Fernandes expressed a huge sigh of relief over the Panchayat’s decision, calling it a major victory for Chicalim residents and Goa’s coastal environment. The move is seen as a strong message against illegal land reclamation and a step towards sustainable development.
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