the goan I network
VASCO
In a first, Chicalim panchayat has formulated its own Coastal Zone Management Plan after incorporating various features like biodiversity, heritage, mangrove sites, fishing villages, fish breeding sites, natural breeding sites of window-pane oysters and the fishing as well as tribal settlements in the village.
While rejecting the CZMP plan of the government, the extraordinary gram sabha on Sunday at Chicalim panchayat unanimously resolved to submit the plan to the former to forward it to the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) for incorporating the same in the overall plan of Goa.
Chicalim villagers said the resolution was proposed by former sarpanch Francisco Nunes and seconded by Cynthia Lima Leitao Miranda.
Villagers said inputs were taken from villagers, Chicalim Biodiversity Management Committee under the guidance of Capt Viriato Fernandes. They thanked the sarpanch of Chicalim Panchayat Seby Periera and the entire body for allowing them to set an example that could be followed by other panchayats across the State.
Convenor of Goencho Awaz Capt Viriato Fernandes said the State witnessed flooding even when there was less rainfall. “With such plans, we can identify higher altitude location for rescue during emergencies,” he stated.
“Chicalim bay is famous for oyster panes. Such protective heritage sites are not mentioned in the plan. We have gathered all inputs and incorporated these in our own CZMP. We have requested the government to take us in confidence and show us the plan while it is being incorporated in the overall CZMP so there are no changes made,” Fernandes said.
Cyril Fernandes, President of Chicalim Biodiversity Heritage Committee, said that the new integrated CZMP was also put up on the the notice board of Chicalim Panchayat. “The entire panchayat body led by Sarpanch Seby Pereira stood by us in this effort and we have created history and set an example that villagers can make their own changes for an inclusive CZMP. In this plan we have added islands, coastal fishing zones, high tide line, hazard lines and other details that were missing in the CZMP proposed by the government,” Cyril said.
