Warn 39A changes could trigger unplanned development
VILLAGE VOICES: A local raises a query during the Gram Sabha meeting of Anjuna–Caisua village panchayat on Sunday, chaired by Sarpanch Surendra Govekar.
MAPUSA
Villagers of Anjuna–Caisua strongly opposed any proposed zone changes under Section 39A involving eco-sensitive land, agricultural land and wetlands during the gram sabha of the Anjuna–Caisua Panchayat on Sunday.
The gram sabha resolved that the panchayat should formally inform the concerned department about the villagers’ opposition to any such zoning changes in the panchayat jurisdiction.
“Eco-sensitive areas, fields and wetlands are the backbone of the village’s ecological balance. Any attempt to alter their zoning will only open the door for unplanned development,” said Ravi Harmalkar during the discussion.
Another resident warned that such changes could irreversibly affect the traditional landscape of the village.
“Once agricultural and wetland areas are converted, they are lost forever. The village must take a firm stand against this,” the resident added.
The Sarpanch Surendra Govekar informed the gathering that a smart garden for children is likely to come up in the panchayat area, as the Anjuna comunidade has agreed to provide land for the project.
He further stated that the comunidade has also expressed readiness to allot land for setting up a gaushala (cattle shelter).
Villagers also objected to the use of minor children during cleanliness drives in the panchayat area.
Concerns were raised over parking problems caused by certain construction projects allegedly encroaching along roadsides, with residents demanding action against such developments.
Meanwhile, the panchayat’s Rs 18.06-crore budget for the financial year 2026–27 was approved after villagers suggested certain modifications.
During the meeting, local Ramesh Naik raised objections to some proposed expenditures and suggested revisions, which were accepted before the budget received approval.
Villager Pradeep Harmalkar criticised the panchayat for convening the meeting after a gap of nearly six months and demanded that four general gram sabhas be conducted annually.
Written suggestions were submitted by Ravi Harmalkar, Ramesh Naik, Jeremy Pereira and Pradeep Harmalkar, while Anna Fernandes, Satyavan Harmalkar, Ravi Harmalkar, Ramesh Naik and Pradeep Harmalkar participated in the discussion.
