Stage a massive protest against the proposed zone change
PANAJI
Hundreds of residents, predominantly women from Siridao-Palem, on Friday staged a massive protest march to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, voicing strong opposition to a proposed zone change in their village.
Clad in sarees, the women led the agitation and staged a sit-in inside the cabin of Chief Town Planner Vartika Dagur, refusing to vacate the premises until the proposed zone change is reviewed and withdrawn.
The protesters not only staged a sit-in but also brought along bedsheets, pillows and cooking utensils, virtually setting up camp inside the office. They asserted that they would not withdraw until all unauthorised zone change proposals in Pale-Shirdon and across the St Andre constituency were scrapped.
The agitation was triggered by moves to convert natural land into a settlement zone under Section 39 (A) of the TCP Act, a development that villagers claim threatens the very existence of their village. Protesters also alleged that the proposed road widening linked to the plan could endanger the local Sateri Devi temple. Enraged residents gheraoed Dagur, demanding immediate withdrawal of the proposal.
The protest was led by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar. Criticising the government and the administration, Borkar said the government was content with making promises but had failed to act on the ground. “We are not protesting merely to pass time. We have taken to the streets to save our village and our land. The government must immediately withdraw this zone change proposal, failing which it will have to face the anger of the people,” he warned.
During the discussions, Chief Town Planner expressed her inability to take a unilateral decision, clarifying that the proposal was not a personal decision but one taken by the Town Planning Board. She informed the villagers that only the Board has the authority to revoke the proposal.
Dissatisfied with the response, Borkar and the villagers adopted an aggressive stance, declaring that they would not leave the office until they received a concrete assurance that the decision would be cancelled.
Villagers are currently stationed inside the office premises, continuing their protest by singing devotional songs in praise of Sateri Devi. Borkar also warned that members of the Town Planning Board would be questioned at their residences if the proposal was not withdrawn.
