MARGAO
The Cavelossim gram sabha on Sunday has resolved to constitute a committee of locals to study the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) plan and to prepare the own village plan in order to accommodate the interest of the locals.
The meeting chaired by Sarpanch Dennis Rosario also discussed the controversial issue pertaining to the two fisheries units operating in the village and the calls by the villagers to shut down their operation.
After the meeting, the sarpanch said that the since the GCZMA has filed a report in the High Court, which will be kept open for public suggestions and objections for a period of one month, the gram sabha has resolved to constitute a panel of locals to prepare its own CRZ plan to protect the interests of the village.
Cavelossim village is surrounded by the sea on the west and river Sal on the South and East.
“Given the location of the village, the gram sabha has resolved to constitute a panel to study the CRZ issues once the plan is notified for public suggestions and objections,” the sarpanch said, adding that any villager interested in offering suggestions is welcome to be a part of the panel.
On the question of two private fisheries units in the village, which locals want shut down citing various irregularities, the sarpanch informed that the gram sabha has resolved to conduct a surprise inspection of the two units given complaints that migrant workers employed in these units are still involved in open defecation.
He further pointed out that the though the owners of the two units have put in place toilet amenities for the migrant labourers, many still cross the main road to head towards the beach for defecating in the open. In this connection, the gram sabha has recommended that the panchayat deploy a security guard on the road to ensure that none of the migrant labourers cross over to the beach side to answer nature’s call.
“Our inspection has revealed that the two units have put in place waste disposal facilities and toilets for the migrant labourers. We are maintaining a vigil in this regard,” he added.
The gram sabha also deliberated on the solid waste management in the coastal village with emphasis on waste segregation at source.
He explained to the gram sabha that the panchayat has already sent around four tonnes of plastic waste to the waste corporation, which was collected during the special drive carried out in close coordination with various groups, including school children, shacks owners and water sports operators.
