the goan I network
MARGAO
The gram sabha of Loutolim village panchayat on Sunday rejected the proposal of Inland Waterways Authority of India to construct a jetty at Rassaim by the Captain of Ports and also opposed Sagarmala and all associated projects.
Armed with placards and banners, a large number of villagers turned up at the Loutolim gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Filipina Fernandes to oppose the jetty and Sagarmala projects.
The gram sabha has demanded that the panchayat forward three resolutions adopted to the local MLA, Captain of Ports, South Goa MP, Chief Minister, the Inland Waterways Authority of India, Government of India and other authorities concerned.
Agitated members pointed out that the State and the Centre have failed to act upon the resolution of the gram sabhas or to respond to the resolutions against the jetty and other projects, but have been pursuing what it called the completely illegal, anti-development and anti-people Sagarmala project to convert the state rivers into shipping channels for the profits of a few corporates at great losses to the village, country and entire humanity.
The members took strong exception to reports that the State government has completed the EIA for nine jetty locations, including Rassaim, Shiroda and Durbhat to enhance the performance of the country’s logistics as per Sagarmala project without consulting the villagers.
After much discussion, the gram sabha members unanimously resolved that the banks of rivers, private khazans, docks and shipyards along Goan villages belong to the people of Goa and that the Zuari river along with other rivers must be deleted from the scheduled attached to the National Waterways Act, 2016.
The gram sabha further resolved to condemn the government of Goa and India which failed to respect and adhere to the earlier decision and resolution of the gram sabha dated July 30, 2017 and December 10, 2018.
The gram sabha also resolved to oppose and reject the handling of coal or any other polluting, dusty or hazardous cargoes/commodities/goods in the panchayat area of Loutolim and in river Zuari.
