Goa, Aug. 7 -- A political endorsement of the proposed Film City project in Loliem by Canacona MLA and Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Ramesh Tawadkar, has provoked a strong backlash from villagers and environmental activists, who say the move ignores widespread ecological concerns and grassroots opposition.

Tawadkar, while speaking to media outside the Assembly, asserted that the Film City initiative was in line with sustainable development goals and should be welcomed rather than rejected. "I am in favour of the Film City. It has to come," he said, dismissing opposition as habitual resistance to development. However, he added that the government would engage with the panchayat and the local community before finalising the deci...