[Goanet]Salmona Spring
The good news for now is that the Pollution Control Board has directed that all the construction work near Salmona Spring at Saligao should be stopped. All the newspapers in Goa caried extensive reports and photos of the construction by one Harmalkar with all the permissions from the Revenue Collector and Panchayat although the land has been classified as a private forest in continuity with the afforestation programme of Saliga-Pilerne hill. Eternal vigil is the price of freedom. Indeed. Viva Goa. Miguel
Re: [Goanet]Salmona Spring
The POWER of the press and the people ! rene --- Miguel Braganca <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > The good news for now is that the Pollution > Control Board has directed that > all the construction work near Salmona Spring > at Saligao should be stopped. > All the newspapers in Goa caried extensive > reports and photos of the > construction by one Harmalkar with all the > permissions from the Revenue > Collector and Panchayat although the land has > been classified as a private > forest in continuity with the afforestation > programme of Saliga-Pilerne > hill. > > Eternal vigil is the price of freedom. Indeed. > > Viva Goa. > Miguel > > > > __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site! http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/
Re: [Goanet]Salmona Spring
Although I was born in Porvorim, I spent happy years in Saligao from 1930 to 1939, and many happy hours with my brother and our friends at the Salmona spring. We used to swing on the banyan tree roots from one side of the small "gully" to the other, and I remember that once my brother, eight years older than me, lost his grip and fell, but was not seriously hurt. My memories of the Salmona spring form the basis of passages describing the Tivolem spring on pages 218 and 219 of my novel, Tivolem. Also, the bridge on which the old men in Tivolem used to meet each evening is the bridge over the nullah near the Mae de Deus Church, which in my childhood served as a meeting place of the elders of Saligao. My wife and I were away in Australia when news of the encroachments on the Salmona spring broke on Goanet; I will gladly work with Miguel and anybody else who is interested to make sure that this historic spring is saved for posterity. Victor Rangel-Ribeiro, Ribeirovaddo, Porvorim -Original Message- From: Miguel Braganca <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: goanet@goanet.org; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wed, 23 Mar 2005 22:10:24 +0530 Subject: [Goanet]Salmona Spring The good news for now is that the Pollution Control Board has directed that all the construction work near Salmona Spring at Saligao should be stopped. All the newspapers in Goa caried extensive reports and photos of the construction by one Harmalkar with all the permissions from the Revenue Collector and Panchayat although the land has been classified as a private forest in continuity with the afforestation programme of Saliga-Pilerne hill. Eternal vigil is the price of freedom. Indeed. Viva Goa. Miguel
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: At The Press Conference...
Dear Netters, The Salmona Pariyavaran Manch and Saligao Civic & Consumer Cell held a Press Conference this evening. Arun Sawant and Ms. Malvi Tayaji, Convenor and active member of the Manch respectively, Nicholas Sequeira and Mario Mascarenhas of the Saligao Civic & Consumer Cell addressed the Press. But the highlight of the Conference was the presence of 2 expat Saligaokars from the US - Maurice Britto (Budza) and Chris De Souza - who talked about what the spring meant to them as they grew up as children in the village and what it means to see the present wanton destruction of a childhood haven. It is great to have them fighting shoulder to shoulder with us at ground zero. While Chris is down for only a week and made the time to attend the event, Maurice is in Goa on an extended stay and is very active with the local movement. This is truly turning out to be the struggle of Saligaokars - worldwide. Besides the text of the memorandum to the Governor and a brief history of the Salmona Spring struggle, the following document was also handed out: Salmona Pariyavaran Manch Saligao Civic & Consumer Cell Press Conference Handout at T B Cunha Hall, Panjim. 8 April 2005. Why the Tourism Dept. is acquiring the Salmona Spring? Initially, the Forest Dept. was supposed to acquire it, but because of a lack of funds, the Govt. has asked the Tourism Dept. to pay for the acquisition and then hand it over to the Forest Dept. to plant trees and maintain the local biodiversity of the area. The Tourism Dept. has no intentions of developing it into a Tourist spot. This assurance has given to us by the Tourism Dept. itself, the previous CM Manohar Parrikar (who first started acquisition proceedings) and the recent Tourism Minister and MLA of Saligao, Dr. Wilfred De Souza. These authorities have also assured us that the area will be maintained as a conservation zone with its present biodiversity of flora, fauna and bird life and that no development of the area will take place. What Saligaokars hope to do with the area after acquisition: The Salmona Spring is the only natural heritage spot left in the village. It is world famous because it is on every bird-watching website in the world. Migratory birds coming here are not sited elsewhere in Goa. The villagers hope to work closely with the Forest Dept. to plant the same species of trees found in the area, in order to maintain the local biodiversity of flora and fauna. They will work with the Forest Dept. and other environmental NGOs in the state like Nisarga Nature Club, Little Tree, Southern Birdwing, Green Cross, Goa Foundation, Creepy Times to maintain the area as a conservation zone where the animal, bird, snake, reptile and insect life of the area will be protected to preserve and enhance the natural biodiversity of the area. As planned by the ex-Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the villagers hope to ask the Govt. to pump the water from the spring up to a reservoir on the hill, to then flow down by gravity to the homes of the Salmona residents. Sulabh Souchalayas are hoped to be built outside of the fenced area to help out with the toilet needs of the local community and visitors alike. Where the Government procedures stand at this moment: One file is with the Under Secretary, Panchayats, and the Director of Panchayats who are working on an injunction on the construction and revocation of the licence erroneously given by the Saligao Panchayat. At the same time acquisition proceedings are on, with the Govt. applying section 4 and section 17/4 (urgency clause) of the Land Acquisition Act, to acquire the whole Salmona Spring area as soon as possible. Details are available with the Director of Tourism, Under Secretary, Panchayats and Under Secretary, Revenue. (Ends) We are hoping all this effort pays off! Solidarity. M&M. Salmona Spring: The whole story @ http://salmonaspring.swiki.net -- muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 240 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> '
[Goanet]Salmona Spring - Saligaokar ani soglim ami
We appreciate the endeavouring task that M & M have put forth. We the expat Goans abroad are with you all the way. Uttat Saligaokar and the rest of Goans support this cause. Erin Brockovich - Julia Roberts her portrayal of the law assistant who takes on a polluting power company. Vasu (tumchea modlo) Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
RE: [Goanet]Salmona Spring: At The Press Conference...
Hi Mario & Muriel, I am in solidarity with you and your struggle. I am sure your struggle will gain you victory. I know you how dedicated you are in your campaign. In the past we together had opportunities to raise our voice against so many ills happening in Goa including language issue. Mario move ahead and because of your sincerity I am sure not only all resident Saligaocars will support you but even the non-residents. I am waiting to see fruitful end of your campaign. A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait.
RE: [Goanet]Salmona Spring: At The Press Conference...
May the Salmona Spring issue give strength to the Bardez people not to throw away what is theirs. B. Colaco --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Hi Mario & Muriel, > > I am in solidarity with you and your struggle. I am > sure your struggle will > gain you victory. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: Call The Goa Guv & Others.
Dear netters, Some have requested for the numbers of the Governor of Goa and others, to phone to and urge speedy government action at the Salmona Spring. Here are some you can call: - S C Jamir - Governor of Goa (concentrate efforts here): Raj Bhavan - 0091.832.2453501 Fax 0091.832.245 3511 Secretariat (office hours) - 0091.832.2224801. Ask why the government still has no political, judicial and administrative will to impose a temporary injuction or revocation of licence. -- - Elvis Gomes - Director of Tourism Off- 0091.832.2438751 / 0091.832.2438750 / Cell-9822388099 He will have the latest on the acquisition proceedings. Very importantly, ask if the URGENCY CLAUSE - 17/4 of the Land Acquisition Act has been applied and what will happen to the structure after the land is acquired. -- - Rajiv Yaduvanshi - Under Secretary of Panchayats (concentrate efforts here): Off - 0091.832.2419423 / Cell-9822104962 He will know if the government has the political, judicial and administrative will to impose a temporary injunction or revocation of licence. -- Hope the phone campaign works! Solidarity. M&M. -- muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 240 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> '
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: Open Update To Governor Of Goa - 1.
To, The Governor of Goa, Panaji. Goa. Your Excellency, Thank you for your promise of immediate help, *for a second time,* to stop the construction at the Salmona Spring in Saligao. The first time the file we gave you went via this route: - from you to the Chief Secretary with a note to "investigate and revoke the licence". - from the Chief Secretary to the Under Secretary of Panchayats. - from the the Under Secretary of Panchayats to the Law Secretary for a legal opinion. - from the Law Secretary back to the Under Secretary of Panchayats. - from the Under Secretary of Panchayats to the Director of Panchayats. - from the Director of Panchayats office to the Legal Dept. - from the Legal Dept. back to the Director of Panchayats office. Since the Director of Panchayats is away in Chennai, and the Dy. Director of Panchayats post is vacant (after the last incumbent retired), *the file has now got 'stuck' with an official named Mr. Arlekar who is deputising for the 2 heads of department. Our information is that if the file is not excavated from under the pile on Mr. Arlekar's table, it will die a natural death.* We appeal to you to please prevent such an untimely end to the hard work that this file represents. Last morning, after giving you a second file with a memorandum signed by 1089 villagers, you promised yet again, to take immediate and strong action...but so far, the people of Saligao are very upset to note that nothing has happened on site. In fact the construction continues with arrogance and at a furious pace. Tomorrow the slab for the first floor is ready to be cast. We still await some action from you: either an injunction pending acquisition/enquiry into the suspicious way in which the Saligao Panchayat has issued this licence or a direct revocation of licence. An investigation by the Vigilance Department into the suspicious functioning of the Saligao Panchayat would also be in order. The villagers badly need such relief. You could simultaneously expedite your Government's acquisition of the entire area. That process is also 'stuck' with the Revenue dept. The pulse of Saligao on this sensitive issue is available at: http://salmonafountain.swiki.net We hope you will keep your word and act before it is too late. Thank you. Muriel & Mario. -- muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 240 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> '
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: Open Update To Governor Of Goa - 2.
Saturday, 9 April 2005. To, The Governor of Goa, Panaji. Goa. Your Excellency, We waited the whole day today for some action from you, the Chief Secretary, Secretary/Under Secretary of Panchayats, Director of Panchayats, Mamlatdar, BDO...but none came. We are getting the same old news: everyone is concerned; all the different Heads Of Departments are having meetings; everyone is consulting the Law Secretary or the Legal Department to ensure that they are covered; everyone suddenly wants to follow the letter of the law, completely forgetting the spirit of the law. All this while the Salmona Spring area, the conservation zone, the natural bird sanctuary and its biodiversity are up in flames. While Salmona burns, your bureaucracy is researching procedures to find out if it is legal enough to rush in the Fire Brigade! Your excellency, the fire first needs to be extinguished! The rest can wait... The construction going on in this tiny, fragile eco-system called the Salmona Spring needs to be stopped NOW. This is going on from the 15 March 2005, for the last 25 days. On 3 different occasions in the last 3 weeks, you have met delegations comprising of villagers of Saligao, local and state NGOs. Every time you express deep anguish at the destruction of the Salmona Spring and great appreciation for the commitment of those involved in the struggle. But till today, the construction is on, each day with increased fury. We need action on site, Your Excellency! WE NEED AT LEAST A TEMPORARY INJUNCTION ON THE CONSTRUCTION. Your departments know the steps: First stop the work temporarily. Second, investigate. Third, revoke the licence and simultaneously...finish acquisition applying the Urgency Clause (17/4) of the Land Acquisition Act. It is so simple...even to us common, unsophisticated, village folk. And you have the powers to do it - a simple Executive Order from you to temporarily stop the work, pending the enquiry or the acquisition - whichever finishes earlier. Give us action on site for a change, Your Excellency. We know you have the powers to do it. Even on a Sunday! The pulse of Saligao on this sensitive issue is available at: http://salmonafountain.swiki.net and on the archives of Saligaonet. We hope you will keep your word - given to us 3 times - and act before it is too late. Thank you. Muriel & Mario. -- muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 240 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: Open Update To Governor Of Goa - 3.
Sunday, 10 April 2005. To, The Governor of Goa, Panaji. Goa. Your Excellency, The construction is still on...and going full steam ahead. The construction, which is the beginning of the destruction of the Salmona Spring Conservation Zone has still not been stopped by you. You have the powers to impose a temporary injunction through an Executive Order, Mr. Jamir. We appeal to you, yet again, to use them. The Director of Panchayats also has the powers. The Dy. Collector (North) also has the powers. The Mamlatdar also has the powers. The Block Development Officer also has the powers. All are Judicial Officers. And the Saligao Panchayat also has the powers to revoke the construction licence. But alas...political, administrative and judicial will is lacking to temporarily stop the construction. Right now, it is the will of corruption that powers the construction and destruction at Salmona. Ironically, the people of Saligao who do not have any judicial powers vested in them, stopped the construction once. They took over the site and held a peaceful 'dharna' there on 25 March 2005. Because it could become a law and order situation, the Calangute Police had to call in the Mamlatdar of Bardez to put a temporary halt to the construction, pending the revocation and acquisition. But because corrupt, vested interests at the lower levels of your bureaucracy were stalling the revocation and acquisition, the construction has started again - with a vengence and arrogance that comes from raw, money power. Does your bureaucracy have the judicial and administrative will to temporarily stop the construction? Do the people of Saligao need to come out again to peacefully stop it? They will, if no action is forthcoming from the government to stop the wanton destruction of the only natural heritage spot they have left. We await your immediate intervention, NOW, on site. Hopefully, Muriel & Mario. -- muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 240 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> '
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: Open Update To Governor Of Goa - 4.
Monday, 11 April 2005.
To,
The Governor of Goa,
Panaji. Goa.
Your Excellency,
Sadly for us in Saligao, you already know what the "famous first
words" of this daily update are: THE CONSTRUCTION AT THE SALMONA
SPRING IS STILL ON! Today the first floor slab has been cast
and set and at this moment is safely curing into concrete,
reinforced with steel that stabs the very womb of this fragile
eco-system and heritage zone.
Listen to what Harvey D'Souza one of Goa's most recognised
naturalists and ornithologists has to say about the Salmona
Spring in an interview with Frederick Noronha a local, freelance
journalist (excerpts):
FN: How does the Saligao spring (locally called the 'fountain')
rate among your favourite bird-watching spots? Why?
Harvey: The Saligao spring is one of the best birding spots in
Bardez for various reasons: the forest is moist-deciduous, the
spring runs right through the year, a fact which has not escaped
the avian species. Also, some birds spotted here are hard to
find elsewhere.
Indeed birders flock to Saligao to spot the Brown Wood Owl, which
roosts in the trees by the spring for more than six years now.
(We have located another roosting site for Brown Wood Owl -- but
we are not telling!)
You can also reliably locate small numbers of Grey-Headed Bulbul
(now classified as threatened), or even the all-white male
Paradise Flycatcher here. Other examples also exist, which
distinguish Saligao as a unique birding spot as compared to
other verdant patches.
FN: What are the kinds of birds you've actually seen there?
Harvey: Many, we have a complete checklist, but let's look at the
rare and notable sightings.
One sighting of a Malabar Pied Hornbill sighted on November 4,
2000. Also sighted by Gordon Frost on different dates. (Then
there was the) Malabar whistling thrush, crimson-backed sunbird
(endemic to Western ghats)
Red-winged crested cuckoo (sighted by WildGoa Club on Dec 1,
2002). We know of no other sighting in Goa. Pair of Brown Wood
Owls, Jungle Owlets, Western Crowned Leaf Warbler, raptors like
Booted Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Short-Toed Eagle, Oriental
Honey Buzzard, Black Eagle, Black-Shouldered Kite, the Plain
Flowerpecker, Thickbilled Flowerpecker, Rufous Woodpecker.
FN: How uncommon are these?
None of the birds stated above are found only at Saligao. However
some birds, such as the Grey Headed Bulbul, are listed as
threatened. The Brown Wood Owl site certainly needs protection.
In Scotland, they had a round the clock team just to protect the
nesting site of a pair of osprey!
What makes it unique is the wide variety of species seen here.
Adjacent forests like even the Calangute spring or Nerul or
Betim hill cannot boast of such a wide variety of birds. How
many? Ours is in no way a comprehensive list -- but i would say
a number of 120 species would be a workable and realistic
number. Worth protecting!
FN: What are the change you've been noticing at the Saligao
spring in recent years?
The litter at the spring does tarnish the pristine beauty. From
time to time, we have observed trees cut down. The last incident
-- a whole patch being cleared (sometime in late 2002) -- was
something we could not let go...
One change we would rather NOT see is development. Let no tourism
department convert Saligao zor ('spring' in Konkani) into another
Pomburpa bathroom!
FN: Does the place need protection or preservation? If so, why?
Harvey: One reason would be the rich birdlife, but even as a
village heritage spot it certainly preservation. Imagine being
able to walk a hundred meters to the best picnic spot in Bardez!
FN: What are the steps that are needed?
Legal steps. This must be classified as a private forest
immediately, along with other verdant patches in Arpora, Baga,
Assagao, Betim, Pilerne...
(Excerpts end)
This is this kind of rare, precious and natural jewel that is
being stolen from under our noses.
Murder...nature-slaughter is being coldly and clinically executed
before our very eyes and your bureaucracy is dragging its feet
to bring out the hand cuffs and arrest the carnage.
We were told that the owner Arjun Harmalkar and the Saligao
Panchayat would be called today and asked why they have not
obeyed government directives to stop the work.
Instead, we see Arjun casting his first floor slab! As the
building rises, so does the people's patience wear thin.
The people are waiting your Excellency. You promised an
investigation and a revocation of licence. Others promised an
injunction and take over of the site. The Tourism Dept. has
promised acquisition invoking the Urgency Clause (17/4) of the
Land Acquisition Act. Everyday we hear that on the morrow the
injunction, revocation, acquisition and notification will come.
And nothing does...
But you have promises to keep, Your Excellency. Promises made 3
times over to 3 delegations of Saligaokars. And you have the
powers to keep those pr
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: Open Update To Governor Of Goa - 5.
Tuesday, 12 April 2005. To, The Governor of Goa, Panaji. Goa. Your Excellency, Today we will just update you on what other Saligaokars around the world are saying about our Salmona Spring and the government's lethargy in saving it. Here are excerpts from one reaction: "If this area belongs to Saligao, & it has been since time immemorial, then it is in our interests to "preserve the forest area and environment" which was why the Dharna was held. "...the Spring lives & as such it should continue to live. At least those Saligaokars physically involved there (as opposed to the rest of us abroad) are really trying hard to keep what is there of the Spring & I applaud them but the fact remains & we should keep in sight - no development (whether concrete or tourism) on all fronts, just restore to original by clearing away the litter/debris & try to prevent the garbage (another issue) from the top of the hill polluting the area & the water of the Spring. "Next thought ... construction work, buildings, & what comes afterpeople, garbage etc. ... what a contradiction! On the one hand opposing (do I recall that it was 100 Saligaokars?) development of the area as a tourist spot, on the other- permitting construction work on land near the Spring. I recall Kevin saying that one building in that area will not make the birds at the fountain extinct ...but what of the precedent that it will create, and then there are bound to be others who would be emboldened to pursue one or more of their own even more ambitious projects,(& maybe permission is granted once again), inviting a vicious cycle which would then be difficult to contain. "Hence the Dharna & in same way the opposition of the area being developed into a tourist spot. Tourist/tourism draws up pictures of hordes of people with their litter flocking to the Spring, but we dont want that, we want only the original living things there, dont we? A bit difficult to envisage from the way things are unfolding over the last couple of months, I guess. "Isnt there a middle path then? It is all in the hands of our Saligaokars some of whom make up our Panchayat. For me, conservation, preservation mean "keep safe, keep from harm, retain, maintain, keep alive" - all this applies to what Saligaokars want vis-a-vis the Spring - it was there, it is there & it should be there hereafter - there is no room for acquisition, construction, development, etc. "Let the Spring alone - to be frequented by Saligaokars, young & old whether to drink the water or bathe in it or just to sit & watch nature & whatever inhabitants choose to live amongst leaves, trees without any concrete being introduced in the area." - Annette D'Souza. Pictures of the area some days ago are here: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=psaix6r.x7lyx27&x=0&y=-tiofkq Now there is the first floor slab up and it looks even more hideous. When are you deciding to act, Your excellency? Your concern and determination to act decisively came across as genuine. So what or who is keeping you back? The local Saligao and global Goan community that is viewing the verbal and digital pictures of the slow murder of a unique heritage spot, is watching and waiting for you to act. The choice before you is clear: TEMPORARY INJUCNTION or PERMANENT REVOCATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION LICENCE, till the acquisition proceedings and investigations into the Saligao Panchayat's conduct are completed. We have a simple demand: ACT NOW - before the people decide to! More information at: http://salmonafountain.swiki.net Muriel & Mario. -- muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 240 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> '
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: LAST Open Update To Governor Of Goa!.
To, The Governor of Goa, Panaji. Goa. Your Excellency, As you know, this last update is needless. But for the records, we must go through the formal, last rites of a painful process of updating. Yes, your Excellency, it is painful we know - both for you and for us. The bitter taste of defeat is not pleasant. After the 3 delegations to you with its files full of documents. After the 1089 Saligaokar signatures to save their world-famous Salmona Spring, addressed exclusively to your Excellency. After the deep concern, interest and shock you expressed over the ongoing devastation of the Conservation Zone at the Salmona Spring. After the promises you made to impose an injunction and have the licence revoked. And finally after the Executive Order you signed on the 13th of April to have the construction licence revoked immediately, based on the Forest Act. After 6 weeks of whirlwinding around the corridors of power, Arjun Harmalkar continues to build arrogantly and at a furious pace, mocking yours and our efforts. At the end of the day, all this immense effort - most sadly, including yours - could not translate into the political, administrative and judicial will to stop the construction. But while we wonder why, we have not lost hope. The acquisition proceedings are almost complete. But even this process is dogged by trickery. The file, at the moment is mysteriously 'stuck' at the office of the Under Secretary - Revenue Department for the last 5 days! It reached his desk on the evening of the 18th April. Since you could not help out with the injunction on construction and revocation of licence, could you at least expedite the passage of this file to your office? You are the last Executive authority to sign this file, your Excellency, before it is notified in the Gazette. Someone wants this file to crawl to you instead of fly. We are sure that you at least the powers to increase the speed of this file as it drags itself to your office. In order for you to direct your efforts at the right desks, this is the route it will take until it reaches you: From the Under Secretary - Revenue, to Joint Secretary - Revenue, to Secretary - Revenue, to Chief Secretary, to your good self the Governor of Goa. Since you failed us in your efforts to impose a temporary injunction on the construction and to revoke the licence, you can at least make an earnest attempt to hasten the acquisition proceedings, get them notified, take over the land and DEMOLISH THE DESTRUCTIVE STRUCTURE, AT THE EARLIEST. This we know is within your powers, because the file creaking is its way to you. All you have to do is make it fly! In the light of our experience over the last 6 weeks, all we can do is hope for the best... Hopefully, Muriel & Mario. More information at: http://salmonafountain.swiki.net -- muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 240 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> '
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: New Open Update To Governor Of Goa-1.
Date: 29th April'2005 To The Governor of Goa, Panaji. Goa. Your excellency, I am forced to resume our updates on the Salmona Spring, because now it is a matter of life and death. There is a threat to my safety and that of my family, house and property. My husband Mario is away and will not be back for another few days. I am living with 3 old people, (my parents who are 84 and 78 years old, and my father-in-law, also 84) and my 2 young children aged 10 and 8. As a woman with these old people and children to care for, I am very vulnerable and completely defenceless. It is in these circumstances, with my husband is away, that the builder Arjun Harmalkar who is building the disputed structure at the Salmona Spring has decided to threaten me. On 27th April '05 morning as I was returning from the Saligao market Arjun Harmalkar was descending from the Panchayat Office. He passed me remarking, "You can only write to the papers." On the 28th April"05 at 6pm as I was walking with my son to Donvaddo in Saligao, Arjun Harmalkar was passing in the opposite direction on his bike. As he was riding his bike he slowed down a little and threatened me saying, "Wait, wait, I will show you!" Again I walked on without a word to him. This clearly constitutes a threat to my life and property as well as the lives of my family. The contractor Arjun Harmalkar is capable of anything. He has the money at his command to make good his threats. As you know, the whole village is against the destruction his construction has caused the Salmona Spring Conservation Zone, the only heritage spot left in the village. My husband Mario, my children and I have been very involved with the local struggle to save this zone. This has angered Arjun Harmalkar who has now decided to intimidate me with open threats. This of course, is not going to stop us. As with the other public causes and all-Goa issues we have been involved in, WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO DIE TO SAVE THE SALMONA SPRING, SALIGAO AND GOA. But we write to you because Arjun Harmalkar can be stopped from attacking me, my family, my house and property. And he can be stopped by YOU, your Excellency! I am appealing to you, your administration and your Police force for protection. I am appealing to you because Mario, myself and our 2 children have been involved in this struggle to save the Salmona Spring for the sake of Saligao's environment. Our struggle has been in the public interest. In Goa's interest. I am appealing to you because as the Head of State, you have the duty and powers to protect the public interest as well as those who struggle to promote it. Your Excellency, will you protect me, my family, my house and property from the attack by Arjun Harmalkar? Inspite of all your good intentions, and appreciation of our work to save the environment, your efforts to impose a temporary injunction or revoke the construction licence of the building at the Salmona Spring, have so far drawn a blank. The least you can now do is protect the lives of those who have been involved in the struggle to save the Spring. As the Head of State, these powers of protection we are sure you have. We hope you will not hesitate to use them. I have made a Police complaint to the Calangute Police on 29th April'05, with copies to the Dy. SP, SP-North, IGP, Chief Secretary and you. And now, I am making this public appeal to you and all those like minded people who think that Saligao's last heritage spot - the Salmona Spring - be preserved as a Conservation Zone, Bird Sanctuary and Private Forest to protect its unique balance of humidity, temperature and biodiversity. Your Excellency, Arjun Harmalkar lives a mere 200 meters away from our house! He passes my house several times a day. He often passes me and my children on the road. With Mario away, we are without any protection... WILL YOU ENSURE OUR LIVES AND PROPERTY ARE SAFE? Afraid...but ready to die, in case you are unable to protect us. Muriel. muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 240 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> '
[Goanet]Salmona Spring: New Open Update To Governor Of Goa-1.
Date: 29th April'2005 To The Governor of Goa, Panaji. Goa. Your excellency, I am forced to resume our updates on the Salmona Spring, because now it is a matter of life and death. There is a threat to my safety and that of my family, house and property. My husband Mario is away and will not be back for another few days. I am living with 3 old people, (my parents who are 84 and 78 years old, and my father-in-law, also 84) and my 2 young Children aged 10 and 8. As a woman with these old people and children to care for, I am very vulnerable and completely defenceless. It is in these circumstances, with my husband is away, that the builder Arjun Harmalkar who is building the disputed structure at the Salmona Spring has decided to threaten me. On 27th April '05 morning as I was returning from the Saligao market Arjun Harmalkar was descending from the Panchayat Office. He passed me remarking, "You can only write to the papers." On the 28th April"05 at 6pm as I was walking with my son to Donvaddo in Saligao, Arjun Harmalkar was passing in the opposite direction on his bike. As he was riding his bike he slowed down a little and threatened me saying, "Wait, wait, I will show you!" Again I walked on without a word to him. This clearly constitutes a threat to my life and property as well as the lives of my family. The contractor Arjun Harmalkar is capable of anything. He has the money at his command to make good his threats. As you know, the whole village is against the destruction his construction has caused the Salmona Spring Conservation Zone, the only heritage spot left in the village. My husband Mario, my children and I have been very involved with the local struggle to save this zone. This has angered Arjun Harmalkar who has now decided to intimidate me with open threats. This of course, is not going to stop us. As with the other public causes and all-Goa issues we have been involved in, WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO DIE TO SAVE THE SALMONA SPRING, SALIGAO AND GOA. But we write to you because Arjun Harmalkar can be stopped from attacking me, my family, my house and property. And he can be stopped by YOU, your Excellency! I am appealing to you, your administration and your Police force for protection. I am appealing to you because Mario, myself and our 2 children have been involved in this struggle to save the Salmona Spring for the sake of Saligao's environment. Our struggle has been in the public interest. In Goa's interest. I am appealing to you because as the Head of State, you have the duty and powers to protect the public interest as well as those who struggle to promote it. Your Excellency, will you protect me, my family, my house and property from the attack by Arjun Harmalkar? Inspite of all your good intentions, and appreciation of our work to save the environment, your efforts to impose a temporary injunction or revoke the construction licence of the building at the Salmona Spring, have so far drawn a blank. The least you can now do is protect the lives of those who have been involved in the struggle to save the Spring. As the Head of State, these powers of protection we are sure you have. We hope you will not hesitate to use them. I have made a Police complaint to the Calangute Police on 29th April'05, with copies to the Dy. SP, SP-North, IGP, Chief Secretary and you. And now, I am making this public appeal to you and all those like minded people who think that Saligao's last heritage spot - the Salmona Spring - be preserved as a Conservation Zone, Bird Sanctuary and Private Forest to protect its unique balance of humidity, temperature and biodiversity. Your Excellency, Arjun Harmalkar lives a mere 200 meters away from our house! He passes my house several times a day. He often passes me and my children on the road. With Mario away, we are without any protection... WILL YOU ENSURE OUR LIVES AND PROPERTY ARE SAFE? Afraid...but ready to die, in case you are unable to protect us. Muriel. muriel & mario, 4/4 tabravaddo, opp. st. anne's chapel, saligao. bardez. goa. 403511. tel: 0832-278276 / 240 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> '
Re: [Goanet]Salmona Spring: New Open Update To Governor Of Goa-1.
--- muriel & mario <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Date: 29th April'2005 > > To The Governor of Goa, > Panaji. Goa. > > Your excellency, > > I am forced to resume our updates on the Salmona > Spring, because now it is a > matter of life and death. There is a threat to my > safety and that of my > family, house and property. Am seriously concerned. I hope members of this forum closest to Muriel volunteer to take upon themselves the responsibility to enquire and provide a degree of protection to the fighter for righteousness. Gabriel de Figueiredo. Melbourne - Australia. Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies. http://au.movies.yahoo.com
