People attending the public meeting in Mandrem on Oct 5.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PERNEM
Outraged over the massive conversion of land planned to facilitate a real estate boom in Pernem taluka, angry locals on Thursday demanded the cancellation of the Pernem taluka draft zoning plan in 24 hours failing which they have threatened a massive protest all over Pernem taluka.
This was decided at a meeting which was attended by people and leaders cutting across party lines in the Mandrem panchayat hall.
Speaking at the meeting, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar said he along with a delegation will meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at 11 am on Friday to put forth their demands to cancel the Pernem taluka draft zoning plan.
Arolkar announced that he too would protest along with residents if the Pernem taluka draft zoning plan is not cancelled immediately.
“Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has convened a meeting at 11 am, and if he assures to change the plan according to public demands, the protest would be withdrawn or else, we will all take to the streets and agitate,” said Arolkar.
“The government should prepare a plan according to public requirements and should not take orders from Delhiwalas. I do not care even if land in the settlement zone is being cancelled,” he said.
Reacting on the issue, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured that the State government will take the people into confidence before finalising the plan. "The Pernem zoning plan is a draft plan; it is open for people's suggestions and objections. Let the people give their views; we will take people into confidence," the Chief Minister said.
Town & Country Planning and Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane said the suggestions from the people will be addressed by the expert committee of the Town & Country Planning Board. "The Pernem plan is open for objections and suggestions; all the objections and suggestions will be addressed by the expert committee formed by the board. My only role is to oversee the planning process," Rane said.
Accusing the BJP government of being anti-people, Goa Forward Party leader Deepak Kalangutkar also demanded the immediate cancellation of the Pernem taluka draft zoning plan and called upon the MLAs and political leaders to support the people of Pernem taluka.
RGP President Manoj Parab said the Mandrem MLA should not remain in the government and talk about agitations. “He should quit from the government, and the public will support him. It is possible to work for the people even if leaders stay out of the government. If the Mandrem MLA is in the opposition and presents any proposal in the Assembly, the RGP will support him,” said Parab.
Former Pernem municipal council chairperson Dr Vasudev Deshprabhu questioned the absence of Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar at the meeting. “Where is the Pernem MLA? He should have been in this meeting to show his support for the cause,” said Dr Deshprabhu.
Social worker Rajan Ghate said the agitation which has started at Pernem taluka will reach the entire State. “All residents of Pernem should unite under one banner and oppose the plan. They should stand together till the plan is cancelled,” said Ghate.
Former MLA Parashuram Kotkar said the Dhavalikar brothers are supporting the government, but the Mandrem MLA is with the public. “Whatever decision is taken by him (Arolkar) will be supported by the workers,” said Kotkar.
Others present at the meeting included ZP members Satish Shetgaonkar, Rangnath Kalshavkar, Mandrem Sarpanch Amit Sawant, Keri Sarpanch Dharati Nagoji, Morjim Sarpanch Umesh Gadkar, Parsem Sarpanch Ajay Kalangutkar, Agarwada Sarpanch Anthony Fernandes, Tuem Sarpanch Sulaksha Naik, Bhaskar Narulkar and many panch members.
