DILEMMA OVER DIVAR, CHORAO BRIDGES
STEPHEN DIAS DONA PAULA Two of Goa’s most beautiful islands, Divar and Chorao are grappling whether to have bridges connecting them to the mainland. Both these islands as they are now are idyllic rustic abodes, lush green Chorao having the distinction of being home to the rare Salim Ali bird sanctuary that attracts beautiful avian to this natural unspoiled setting. Divar is on the verge of becoming home to Ozone’s hotel project at Vanxim, which the locals protest against. The population of each of these two islands now is just a couple of thousands each and everyone enjoys nature’s bounty as they are both unique rural abodes with Portuguese style houses, not yet contaminated by invasion from outsiders. The air is clean and the climate of both islands is salubrious, supporting robust and healthy living. Until now, two ferry boats ply to each of these islands and though residents or locals of these two islands are torn between the prospects of being bridges, many of the locals feel that if each of these routes is provided three ferry boats each, their travel needs will be adequately catered to. Goans are well aware of the intrusive nature of real estate shacks whose only motive is to concretize Goa and in this context, it would be advisable for bridges not to be built to these quant islands as the rustic nature of these two villages will vanish in a few years time. It is better for the locals to press the government to provide three ferries boats to each of these islands and thus streamline crossing of the river than to agree for a bridge for convenience and then to repent when the influx of outsiders destroy their peace of mind. In view of the dilemma that the locals are faced with it would be prudent to conduct a signature campaign which is compulsory for all residents of the two villages and only then decide whether to have bridges or not. Short term advantage of a bridge may not be the answer and the locals have to comprehensively come to unanimity that their unique abodes, rich in nature traits are opened up to the invasion of real estate shacks who will only concretize Divar and Chorao to line their greed for sheer lucre. The local residents have to fashion their own destiny as far as preserving their islands is concerned and not repent later for having sought for short-term gains. It is advisable for the villagers to take a little pain each day by crossing over by ferry boats, then to make themselves later the victims of unwanted invasion of the real estate lobby, to devour these unspoilt islands and to jeopardize the serenity of their environment which will become embroiled in water woes, electricity shortage, congestion, loss of peace of mind, security and uncontrollable garbage nuisance.