Devidas Gaonkar is a poet and journalist, and a proud member of the indigenous Velip tribe. He lives in a remote forest reserve not far from the beautiful and touristic beaches of South Goa.   Devidas dropped out of school in 2003 because there was no money for education, and of boredom if he had note found film-making, his passion.  One…

Devidas Gaonkar

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Villagers from the Marlem village in Goa's Cotigao wildlife sanctuary boycotted the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as their demand for a road that runs through their village remain unfulfilled for the longest time. At that time, the news of boycott made headlines across Goa and even nationwide. 

Our Community Correspondent from the region Devidas Gaonkar had reported on the matter before and was working to create an impact. He collaborated with the District Collector to sort this issue out at the earliest. However, due to the provisions in the Forest Act the matter was complicated. 

Taking advantage of some relaxations in the Forest Act and the help of local ex-MLA and Deputy Speaker Isidore Fernandes, road construction began. Today, the residents are happy that they have an all-weather road which they can use in any season of the year.