PRESERVING PARADISE: Calangute constituency Forum up in Arms to Save Sinquerim Hill from Commercial Development

PRESERVING PARADISE: Calangute constituency Forum up in Arms to Save Sinquerim Hill from Commercial Development
A letter signed by the Calangute Constituency Forum has been submitted to the Chief Minister, MLA, and other authorities, expressing deep concern over the proposed commercial development of Sinquerim Hill by Indian Hotels – Tata Group of Hotels. The development is seen as a threat to the hill’s unique cultural, historical, and ecological significance ¹.
Sinquerim Hill, a treasure trove of old heritage monuments, is also an essential ecological zone contributing to the environmental balance of Candolim village. The local community has consistently opposed any form of development on the hill, citing the need to preserve its natural and historical integrity.
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a part of the Tata Group, has a portfolio of 263 hotels, including 75 under development globally. However, the company’s plans for Sinquerim Hill have sparked outrage among locals, who fear that commercial development will destroy the hill’s biodiversity and disrupt the village’s ecological balance ².
In light of this, the Calangute Constituency Forum has proposed an alternative vision for the development of Sinquerim Hill – the establishment of a world-class botanical garden. This initiative would serve as a sustainable and eco-friendly tourist attraction while preserving the natural and historical integrity of the area.
The forum has urged the State Government to reconsider the decision to lease Sinquerim Hill for commercial development, honor the original terms of acquisition, and collaborate with the local community to develop a plan for the botanical garden.
As the fate of Sinquerim Hill hangs in the balance, the people of Goa await the government’s response to their pleas to prioritize environmental and cultural preservation over commercial interests.