By Staff Reporter
Chorao Island — In a bold and emotional stand against large-scale development, residents of Chorao Island have raised powerful banners at the island’s jetty entrance declaring: “Welcome to Chorao, Our Island Not for Sale” and “Save Chorao, Say No to Mega Projects.”
The banners have become a symbol of growing resistance among islanders who fear that mega infrastructure and real estate projects could permanently damage Chorao’s fragile ecosystem, traditional village life, and rich cultural heritage.
Residents allege that unauthorised developments are already taking place on the island and have demanded immediate discussions during gram sabhas to pass resolutions opposing large commercial projects. Villagers insist that any future construction should be limited only to personal single-unit homes for locals and registered gram sabha members.
The movement has now expanded beyond Chorao, with residents of nearby Divar Island also voicing strong opposition to proposed large-scale tourism and development plans, including efforts to declare Divar a “Tourism Village.”
Islanders say they are not against progress, but want development that respects the islands’ ecological sensitivity and community identity.
“We will not allow our islands to be destroyed in the name of development,” said a resident during the gram sabha gathering.
The protests highlight growing concerns across Goa about unchecked urbanisation and its impact on traditional communities. For the people of Chorao, the message is loud and clear — their island is not for sale.
Original article
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