Candolim locals compel p’yat to constitute special panel
the goan I network
MAPUSA
Stating that the Coastal Zone Management Plan was not in the interest of the village, Candolim locals compelled the panchayat to constitute a special committee to draw up a new coastal plan at the gram sabha meeting on Sunday.
The villagers also demanded a special gram sabha to discuss and pass the new plan before August 31 and accordingly a resolution was passed to hold the gram sabha but no date was fixed.
Criticizing the panchayat for taking the CZMP issue lightly, the villagers said the new plan has to be prepared and submitted before the August 31 deadline.
“If the plan is passed in the present form it will affect the business of shack owners and fishermen. Our beach is in danger as high-rise buildings will come up near 50 meter of the HTL,” a local said.
The villagers forced the panchayat to constitute a special committee with representatives each from the fishing community shack owners, toddy tapers and guest house owners. The panchayat which initially dithered on the formation of the committee finally submitted to the wishes of the people.
Candolim Sarpanch, Fermino Fernandes, told the gram sabha that the panchayat has passed a resolution objecting to the CZMP and also requesting the government to allow villagers to draw their own plan.
In another decision, the gram sabha urged the panchayat to take measures to kick start agriculture in the village.
“The panchayat should support and also request the hoteliers to help the local farmers in ways that will give them impetus to start farming activity,” a villager said.
The sarpanch said farmers should organize themselves and start a farmers’ club in the village.
“The agriculture department is giving subsidy to buy tractors and other farming equipment for which the panchayat is ready to support the farmers,” Fernandes said.
Locals also suggested that all potholes should be patched up and streetlights should be made functional before the Chaturthi festival.
A villager raised the issue of stray cattle menace in the village and requested the sarpanch to explore the option of sending these to gau shalla in Mayem.
The sarpanch assured to look into the matter.
