MAPUSA
Alarmed at the pace of mega constructions coming up in Assagao and the recent upheaval over the draft zoning plan in Pernem, the locals on Sunday unanimously resolved not to allow any zone changing in the village.
The villagers also resolved to stop all construction activity in the village as it was leading to traffic chaos and created a sense of insecurity among the locals.
“The TCP officials or the minister have no right to sit in their offices and carry out change of zones without consulting the locals. We are a democracy and the locals have a say on what they want or not,” the locals said.
“We don’t want a repeat of Pernem in Assagao. Our village needs to be preserved and protected,” they added.
The proposal against the government move to carry out change of zoning in panchayats was placed by local residents Gregory Sequeira and Michael Queiroz which was passed in one voice by the gram sabha.
Former panchayat member, Einstein Barretto demanded restrictions on issuing of permissions to multi-dwelling projects and commercial establishments as unlawful activities were on the rise in the village.
Another villager pointed out that illegallities were on the rise and gave an example of how large-scale water exploitation was taking place in the village at the behest of the builders.
The villagers unanimously resolved to freeze all constructions and oppose any zone changing without taking the villagers into confidence.
The locals urged the sarpanch to send the resolution to all concerned departments.
