Comunidade still open to evaluating new proposals that “align with goals, priorities”
THE GOAN | CANACONA
With the Loliem-Polem Comunidade resolving to allot land to five different projects on Sunday, one project in April and another project in 2023, the Comunidade will effectively be parting with 33% of its entire land of 81 lakh sq mtrs.
What’s more, the Comunidade is open to evaluating new proposals that align with its goals and priorities.
THE PROJECTS
Earlier in October 2023, the Loliem-Polem Communidade decided to lease out 10 lakh sq mtrs to the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) to set up a Film City on its land at Bhagwati Plateau.
Then in April this year, the Comunidade had approved 1 lakh sq mtrs of land to an agro-based company, Mallikarjun Multifruits Processing Producer Company Limited, which has Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar as one of its directors, to set up 8 different fruits processing units and plantations in Madditolop area of Loliem-Polem village.
On Sunday, the Comunidade resolved to approve the application of Concord Innovations Pvt Ltd seeking 15 lakh sq mtrs of land to set up a 100 MW solar power plant for the State.
The Comunidade has also approved to allot 50,000 sq. mtrs of land to set up a Sainik School for the State, following the request of Vadenagar Shikshan Seva Mandal, Vasco.
On the same day, the Communidade then decided to lease out about 80,000 sq mtrs for three projects, a cricket stadium sought by the Goa Cricket Association, Wayside Amenities for tourists following a request from the Goa Tourism Development Corporation and an office complex (shops and multipurpose hall) for the Comunidade of Loliem.
With these seven projects, the Loliem-Polem Comunidade is effectively handing out a total of 27.3 lakh sq mtrs of its total land of 81 lakh sq mtrs.
THE JUSTIFICATION
When contacted, Loliem-Polem Comunidade President Vishwajeet Warik justified the allotment of the Loliem-Polem Comunidade's “land leasing initiative”.
“The Comunidade will carefully consider each request for land on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the potential benefits and impact on our community,” said Warik.
When asked if the Comunidade would put a stop to further allotment of land or if it would consider further requests for land, Warik replied: “While we've already allocated 33% of our total land for developmental purposes, we are open to evaluating new proposals that align with our goals and priorities.’
To another query on whether the Comunidade would make land available for future generations, Warik said the Comunidade is committed to striking a balance between development and preservation.
“We'll ensure that a significant portion of our land is reserved for posterity and future generations, while also leveraging our resources to drive economic growth and employment opportunities,” said Warik.
“As a Niz Gaonkar, our decisions will indeed prioritise the development and preservation of our village. Our commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities and promoting local agriculture will likely have a positive impact on the community. Let's focus on strategies that benefit the village.”
“We're excited about potential of projects like the Film City to create employment opportunities for local youth and contribute to the region's economic development. We'll work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that our development initiatives are inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to the community,” Warik added.
THE ENCROACHMENTS
When asked about concerns from a section of locals that the land should be protected for grazing and agriculture, Warik said the concerns of local communities regarding land protection for grazing, agriculture, and other traditional uses are only for the purpose of encroaching Comunidade land.
“Till date, they don't have any plans to protect our land. Entire paddy fields in Loliem village have not been cultivated for decades, and there is no motivation for youth to start agriculture. We'll continue to find solutions that benefit both the community and the environment.”
"We want to protect our land from encroachments. Creating sustainable employment opportunities in our village."
THE OPPORTUNITIES
The Loliem-Polem Comunidade president said efforts are now being made to retain young talent in the village and to promote local economic growth.
“Developing agriculture and promoting local produce can also help preserve traditional practices and showcase our region's unique offerings. Besides, we will focus on hospital, education, and sports,” said Warik.
“We will also promote Agri-tourism by developing farm stays, processing local fruits and veggies into jams, pickles, or other products and Organic farming by promoting eco-friendly practices. We also plan to establish a local marketplace for locals to sell their produce.”
“Through skill development, we will offer training programmes to youth in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.”
