MARGAO
The extraordinary gram sabha of the Carmona panchayat on Sunday unanimously rejected the draft amendment to the Goa Building Rules and Regulations Act 2008, with members terming the draft as an attempt to destroy Goa.
The gram sabha chaired by sarpanch Prisco Rodrigues saw members lodging their strong objections to the draft amendment, warning the government that the people will oppose it tooth and nail.
The panchayat had last week adopted a unanimous resolution pointing out that the Regional Plan for Goa 2011 to 2021 has already expired since the process for a Regional Plan with a horizon period of 10 years should have been started without which such large-scale projects cannot be allowed to be constructed.
The panchayat had further pointed out that these proposed amendments also violate the provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment which empowers villagers to have a holistic plan for the villages.
Gram sabha members raised their hands opposing the draft amendment when it was placed before the meeting for a decision.
After the meeting, sarpanch Prisco said the gram sabha has unanimously resolved to reject the draft amendment.
He said the panchayat will send copies of the resolution adopted by the gram sabha as well as by the panchayat to the government for necessary action. “The panchayat had called for the extraordinary gram sabha since the last date for filing objections to the draft amendment is September 27," he added.
Gram sabha member Antonio Da Silva said the draft amendment contains provisions for educational institutions and gold forces, fearing that land owned by Goans will one day go the Birla way. “The government had provided land for the Birlas to set up the factory to create employment avenues for the Goan youth. Now, the same land is being disposed of for real estate,” he said.
Another gram sabha member Soccorro Miranda pointed out the draft amendment is a glaring attempt to usurp the agricultural fields and hand them over to builders from outside the State.
