Special gram sabha sought in Candolim to discuss draft
MAPUSA
Fears that a flawed map could permanently alter land use and livelihoods have pushed Candolim’s villagers to seek a special gram sabha on the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2019.
Bowing to the demand, the panchayat passed a resolution to convene a special gram sabha exclusively to deliberate on the draft CZMP.
Locals demanded that officials from the environment department be present at the special gram sabha to explain the technical aspects of the plan and clarify concerns raised by residents.
Villagers alleged that the draft CZMP 2019 contains multiple discrepancies that need rectification.
Local resident Anil Kandolkar pointed out that two migrant-dominated bastis –
one at Orda and another at Arradi – have been marked as fishing community zones in the draft plan.
“This marking benefits mostly migrants and not the local population. If these basties are declared fishing community zones, migrants residing there will enjoy benefits and subsidies meant for the traditional fishing community,” Kandolkar said.
He further alleged that several water bodies have not been shown in the draft CZMP and stressed the need for these omissions to be corrected before the plan is finalised.
Apart from CZMP-related concerns, villagers raised several civic issues during the gram sabha.
Members objected to parking of vehicles on roads, alleging that patrons of casinos park along public roads due to inadequate parking facilities at hotels operating casinos. They urged the panchayat to initiate action against such hotels to prevent inconvenience to motorists.
The issue of ongoing construction activities based on approvals granted under the earlier Outline Development Plan (ODP), which has since been struck down by the High Court, was also raised. Villagers alleged that several constructions were still underway despite the court order.
Responding to the allegations, Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes said that notices had been issued to all those who had obtained licences under the old ODP and that they had been directed to stop construction activities.
Local resident Sushant Lotlikar alleged that some hotels were discharging sewage onto roads and urged the panchayat to take strict action against the violators.
Another resident, Glen Fernandes, drew attention to constructions allegedly coming up in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas and accused the panchayat of ignoring violations. He questioned whether there was any “understanding” at the panchayat level regarding such constructions.
Reacting strongly to the allegations, the sarpanch denied the claims and asked Fernandes not to mislead the people, stating that residents of Candolim were aware of the actions taken by the panchayat for the village.
