the goan I network
MARGAO
Carmona Panchayat led by Sarpanch Allwyn Jorge on Tuesday handed over a memorandum to TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai not to grant conversion of the 90,000 square metres of land, comprising of paddy fields, mangroves and water bodies, saying conversion of the land in question for the eco-tourism project will spell doom for the fragile ecology and environment of the village.
While the TCP Minister assured that no eco-sensitive zone, including the mangroves will be converted by the TCP, he, however, said the eco-tourism policy, which provides for conversion of 5 per cent of the first 10,000 square metres of land will not be altered or scraped. “We will consider the objections raised by the panchayat body. We will also have an inspection of the land in question in Carmona,” Vijai said.
He, however, did not accept the contention of the Carmona sarpanch that the panchayat body was not consulted by the TCP before considering the application of Ms Bullion Infra Structure for conversion of the land, saying there’s no law which mandates the government to consult the local body, saying the local bodies should stay alert and lodge their objections.
Ruling out the possibility of revising the eco-tourism policy, the TCP Minister said that many people from the State’s hinterland have availed benefit of the tourism policy.
Carmona Sarpanch Allwyn Jorge later told the media that the panchayat has resolved to oppose the eco-tourism project, saying it will be unethical to convert huge chunk of paddy fields, mangroves for the project. “Today, they say only five per cent of the land will be converted for the eco-tourism project. Tomorrow, they will ask for 25 per cent. This eco-tourism policy will only give leeway for the developers to convert more and more eco-sensitive areas in the State,” he said.
While the panchayat body has unanimously resolved to oppose the land conversion, the sarpanch said the issue will be placed before the gram sabha for a resolution. Besides, he said a signature campaign is underway in the village, wherein around 632 villagers have already put their signatures, objecting to the project.
Saying that it is the responsibility of the panchayat body to ensure that paddy fields and eco-sensitive zones are not converted for the benefit of a few builders, Jorge said that every true blooded Goan should protect their land.
Vijai asks sarpanch as to what should come up on controversial Raheja land
MARGAO: Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vijai Sardesai on Tuesday posed a question to Carmona Sarpanch Allwyn Jorge to come clear on what exactly should come up on Raheja land admeasuring 80,000 square metres.
“I had stopped the Raheja project after I took over the reigns of office. It’s another matter that people did not even acknowledge my gesture of stopping the project without even issuing a notice. But, the panchayat should now decide on what should come up on the land which is already marked in the settlement zone,” Sardesai told the media after Carmona Sarpanch Allwyn Jorge called on him to submit a memorandum opposing conversion of the 90,000 square metres of land for a eco-tourism project.
He said that developers should not think that Goa is a banana republic wherein Ministers come and take their individual decisions. “I appreciate the people who have objection to certain projects. But, they should also come out with suggestions how the developers should go about with their land,” Sardesai added.
