Loliem-Polem meet resolves to ask TCP to revoke NOC to comunidade

Loliem-Polem gram sabha members discussing preserving natural habitat for future generations.

CANACONA

Inspite of  attempts to provoke ruckus, Loliem-Polem gram sabha was held in a peaceful atmosphere, as environmentalists successfully passed resolutions to protect the natural habitat and deter attempts to concretise the eco-sensitive Bhagwati plateau on Sunday.

The gram sabha of Loliem-Polem Village Panchayat discussed and deliberated over the No Objection Certificate issued by Dy Town Planner, Canacona taluka office, TCP Department on 14.10.2024 for registration of a Lease Deed in respect of 10,00,000 sq metres of land bearing survey no. 63/1, Loliem village for development of a Film City and allied infrastructure. The resolution was passed by 44 in favour of revoking the  NOC issued to the Comunidade for leasing land for Film City and 16 defending it. There was also a discussion on the resolution passed earlier on Environmentally Sensitive Area.

The gram sabha members pointed out that the gram sabha resolutions dated 26.10.2016 prohibit any non-traditional uses of the plateau lands within the Panchayat Area, providing detailed justification. The gram sabha members also noted that a resolution was adopted on 26.11.2023 rejecting the proposal to construct Film City in Loliem village and also rejecting the proposal to grant land belonging to Comunidade of Loliem to Entertainment Society of Goa for the purpose of establishing Film City or for any other purpose, giving detailed reasons.

It was also noted that survey no. 63/1, Loliem village is among the most eco-sensitive and critical plateaus of Loliem village for the survival of the local communities, and that all the facts and arguments stated in the previous resolutions dated 26.10.2016 and 26.11.2023 apply fully for this land. It was agreed by the gram sabha members present that the No Objection Certificate issued by TCP Department on 14.10.2024, the Affidavit Cum No Objection Certificate issued by the Attorney of Comunidade of Loliem-Polem on 14.10.2024, and any other document or instrument transferring rights over plateau lands to persons for non-traditional uses are illegal for violating the gram sabha resolutions dated 26.10.2016 and 26.11.2023.

It was thereafter resolved in majority 44 in favour/16 against by the Gram Sabha of Loliem-Polem Village Panchayat that the Sarpanch of Loliem-Polem Village Panchayat shall immediately write to the Comunidade of Loliem and Entertainment Society of Goa declaring that the lease deed for the non-traditional use of plateau lands for the purpose of developing a Film City is illegal, and must be revoked if already registered, and also asking to revoke the Affidavit Cum No Objection Certificate issued by the Attorney of Comunidade of Loliem-Polem on 14.10.2024. The Sarpanch of Loliem-Polem Village Panchayat shall immediately write to Dy Town Planner, Canacona taluka office and the Chief Town Planner (Planning), TCP Department asking them to immediately revoke the No Objection Certificate issued by Dy Town Planner, TCP Department, Canacona taluka office on 14.10.2024 and not to give any permissions for non-traditional uses on the plateau lands of Loliem village.

It was further resolved that the Sarpanch of Loliem-Polem Village Panchayat shall immediately write to the Sub-Registrar asking him not to register any Lease Deed for the land bearing survey no. 63/1, Loliem village and to revoke any registration, if already done. It was further resolved that if the Comunidade of Loliem, Entertainment Society of Goa, Dy Town Planner, Canacona taluka office, the Chief Town Planner (Planning), TCP Department and the Sub-Registrar fail to revoke the Lease Deed (if already registered), the Affidavit Cum No Objection Certificate dated 14.10.2024, and the NOC issued by Dy Town Planner, TCP Department, Canacona taluka office on 14.10.2024 within 15 days, the Village Panchayat of Loliem-Polem shall challenge the NOCs, Affidavit, and/or Lease Deed before the High Court, Supreme Court and/or appropriate authorities.

Blocked traditional pathways were discussed to identify all the traditional pathways going to the sea shore and open them UP if any are found blocked by any owners. This resolution was already passed in the previous meetings. Panchayat has to write to the concerned authorities and with the locals inspect and identify these pathways so that the villagers don't face any issues in the future.

There was a discussion on the resolution passed earlier on ESA. One of the comunidade members present at the gram sabha gave several reasons that including village as ESA will affect the village and villagers will have to take permission to carry out any single and simple works. Other villagers including environmentalists said that are only 4 points as per the circular and villagers will not get affected for carrying out any of the basic required works.

Chaired by Sarpanch Nisha Chari, Deputy Sarpanch Chandrakant Sudhir, and most of the panchas were present including ex-sarpanchas Sachin  Naik, Ajay (Ajit) Lolienkar, and other panch members and sarpanch was assisted by VP Secretary Sandeep S Desai. There were slightly more than 75 members present for the gram sabha, as members alleged that the gram sabha is held when a part of the village is celebrating feast and temple programme.

Prashant Pagui, BMC Chairman Manoj Prabhugaonkar, Sanjan  Naik, Dennis Fernandes, Dattaprasad Prabhugaonkar, Cajy D’Silva,Shailesh Pagi, Santano Da Costa, Besides ex-Sarpanch and Loliem –Polem Comunidade Executive member Bhushan Prabhugaonkar and many others took part in the discussions.

Earlier Panchayat Secretary  read and members confirmed the ordinary Gramsabha meeting minutes  held on 27.10.2024. Secretary also read, and members  confirmed the income and expenditure from oct’2024 to 18th Jan’2025.    

Some of the gram sabha members alleged that the gram sabha was purposely kept on Sunday, to avoid maximum participation. Today Galgibaga church is celebrating a feast where nearly half of the Loliem-Polem villagers are parishioners and celebrate the feast, besides there was a religious programme  at Maxem temple. They kept the meeting purposely for today, said Prashant Pagui.