CANACONA
Loliem-Polem panchayat objected and resolved that no public hearing shall be held on the new coastal zone management plans until the GCZMA explains about the maps to the Gram Sabha members.
At the Gram Sabha it was noted that Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has arranged public hearings without providing any information to the Panchayat or the people. It was discussed and agreed that without understanding the maps, the people will not participate in the public hearing. Members also pointed out that the legend itself did not accommodate many of the features of the CRZ, such as the traditional footpaths that are critical for the local economies.
Also discussed at the Gram Sabha was the CZMPs.
The villagers who attended in good numbers despite the Covid pandemic as many were alarmed due to the preparation of new Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) by the Government, which has announced a public hearing on these maps on 7 March.
A villager Dennis Fernandes explained in detail and assisted the villagers in understanding the proposed public hearing.
“After detailed discussions, the Gram Sabha resolved unanimously that no public hearing shall be held until the GCZMA explains the maps to the Gram Sabha and that the village Panchayat should write to the GCZMA accordingly. It was also resolved unanimously that all the traditional pathways in the village shall be notified and that no traditional pathway will be allowed to be blocked by landowners,” informed Fernandes.
