Forced smart meter installation rejected
Members Prashant Pagi, Dennis Fernandes and others explaining and listing out issues at the Loliem-Polem gram sabha.
CANACONA
The Loliem–Polem gram sabha, held on Sunday, passed a major resolution opposing a real estate company’s proposal to construct a 49-villa mega project. The gram sabha also unanimously rejected the forced installation of electricity smart meters in the village.
A key point of discussion was the proposed development of 49 luxury villas, each featuring a private swimming pool. Gram sabha members Denis Fernandes and Prashant Pagi presented detailed site maps and supporting documents to explain the scale and implications of the project.
While the proposal has received technical clearance from the Town and Country Planning Department, members stressed that the Panchayat and Gram Sabha retain the authority to reject projects that may harm the village’s welfare. It was further noted that such large-scale developments contradict earlier resolutions aimed at protecting the village from similar projects.
Prashant Pagi warned that residents of Loliem–Polem would strongly oppose the project, recalling past resistance to developments such as the NIT (2011), IIT (2016), and the more recent Film City proposal on the plateaus.
Members also called on the Panchayat to clearly state its position. In response, the Sarpanch and all present Panchayat members affirmed their firm support for the villagers in opposing the project. The resolution to reject the 49-villa development was proposed by Denis Fernandes, seconded by Prashant Pagi, and passed unanimously.
Another major issue discussed was the Goa Electricity Department’s move to replace existing electricity meters—many of which are functioning properly—with smart meters, allegedly without obtaining proper consumer consent.
Addressing the meeting, Prashant Pagi outlined several concerns, including lack of transparency, possible billing irregularities, potential job losses for local meter readers, and environmental issues related to the disposal of old meters.
It was also highlighted that in Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has temporarily halted the rollout of smart prepaid meters following widespread protests and complaints of inflated billing and forced installations. Authorities there have set up a technical committee to review the matter.
Taking these concerns into account, the gram sabha unanimously passed a resolution opposing the immediate installation of smart meters and urged authorities to suspend the process until public concerns are adequately addressed.
The proceedings reflected a strong and unified stance by villagers to safeguard their environment, livelihoods, and overall quality of life.
The Gram Sabha of Village Panchayat Loliem–Polem was chaired by Sarpanch Nisha Suraj Chari. Panchayat members Chandrakant Sudir, Ratna Nilesh Prabhu Dessai, Sachin Naik, Pratiza Sachin Bandekar, Rajesh Naik, and Supriya Surendra Pagi were present. Deputy Sarpanch Ashutosh Bandekar was absent. The proceedings were conducted in the presence of Panchayat Secretary Sandeep S. Desai.
