Six resolutions on CZMP, eco-sensitive zones passed
The Loliem – Polem Gram Sabha on Sunday.
The Gram Sabha of the Loliem–Polem Village Panchayat passed six resolutions, including one opposing the Draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2019 and demanding adequate time and prior notice for villagers to study the maps.
The Gram Sabha was held with the participation of villagers, during which the Panchayat Secretary presented the accounts and proceedings. Six resolutions moved by Gram Sabha members Manoj Prabhugaonkar and Prashant Pagi were taken up for detailed discussion under the chairmanship of acting Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch Ashutosh Bandekar.
A major portion of the discussion centred on the Draft CZMP 2019. Raising concerns, member Prashant Pagi stated that several errors may have occurred during the preparation of the maps. He stressed that villagers must be given sufficient time and prior notice to examine the plans and demanded that CZMP maps be presented in advance to avoid injustice to traditional coastal communities. A resolution was passed accordingly.
The Gram Sabha also reaffirmed that its 2016 resolution on the conservation of plateau lands for traditional purposes remains valid. It resolved to send a strong reminder to all departments proposing projects in these eco-sensitive plateaus.
Opposition was voiced to a proposal by the Comunidade of Loliem–Polem, routed through the Goa Tourism Department, to install a statue of Lord Parshuram. Manoj Prabhugaonkar said the proposed site falls within a highly eco-sensitive zone protected by multiple Gram Sabha resolutions. Prashant Pagi cautioned that such projects could disturb communal harmony in the mixed-population village and open the plateau to unwanted concrete development, which villagers have consistently opposed.
Concerns were also raised by Sam Naik over a Rs 3.5-crore commercial project proposed by the Panchayat without discussion in the Village Development Committee or the Gram Sabha. Members questioned the lack of consultation and pointed out the limited land available with the Panchayat. Naik further flagged issues related to crematorium works allegedly not being executed as per tender conditions, following which the Panchayat was directed to take up the matter with the contractor and the concerned engineer.
A resolution was passed congratulating outgoing panch and former Sarpanch Ajay Lolekar on his election as Zilla Parishad member from SP–Poinguinim. Lolekar was present at the meeting.
Former Sarpanch and panch Bhushan Prabhugaonkar suggested declaring Loliem–Polem an eco-sensitive village, a proposal that received strong support and will be discussed further.
Panchayat Secretary Sandeep Desai and panch members Sachin Naik, Rajesh Naik, Chandrakant Sudhir and Supriya Pagi were present, while three panch members were absent. Members also suggested initiating a local market day to promote traditional vegetables and local produce.
