Toyyar Lake Standoff Ends: Govt Bows to Villagers’ Concerns, Scraps Unity Mall Project

Panjim: In a major victory for Chimbel villagers, the government has decided to shift the proposed Unity Mall and Prashasan Sthamb project to a new location, abandoning plans to develop the site near Toyyar lake. The decision follows a thorough survey and mapping exercise, which confirmed the project’s proximity to the wetland’s zone of influence.

The survey, conducted with villagers, experts, and officials, used drones and ground truthing to demarcate the catchment area, drainage lines, and water sources. The findings showed the project site was outside the wetland’s influence, but concerns over sentiment and emotions led to the government’s U-turn.

A win for community-led conservation efforts, the move showcases the power of collective action in protecting Goa’s natural heritage