MAPUSA
Calangute village panchayat's proposal to undertake a carrying capacity study of the tourism hotspot was put on hold at the gram sabha on Sunday after villagers raised objections to the proposed agency and expressed doubts over the study's implementation.
The panchayat had proposed engaging The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to assess Calangute's carrying capacity.
However, several villagers questioned the choice of the agency and voiced concerns over a reported proposal to freeze new construction activities while the study was underway.
They also questioned whether the study's recommendations would eventually be implemented.
Following the discussion, the gram sabha decided not to proceed with the proposal for the time being.
Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said the panchayat would identify and shortlist other agencies before placing the matter again before a future gram sabha.
"We had taken the initiative to approach TERI because villagers have repeatedly demanded a carrying capacity study. We are not in a hurry to appoint any agency and will also write to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department to undertake this work," Sequeira said.
