the goan I network
MARGAO
The village Panchayat of Loutolim held its extraordinary gram sabha on Sunday to finalise the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) prepared by the village panchayat in consultation with the villagers and other stakeholders.
The flawed plan prepared by NCSCM Chennai was explained to the villagers followed by the Draft CZMP prepared by the panchayat and Village Development Committee (VDC). The prominent differences between both were also highlighted.
Sarpanch Philipina Fernandes said a number of members made suggestions to the plan during the meeting.
The additional inputs from the Comunidade, Tenants Association and villagers were duly noted and will be incorporated in the plan, she said.
On October 3, the VDC meeting will be held in which the plan will be finalized and submitted thereafter to GCZMA, Environment Minister and Fisheries department.
“After making the necessary changes and after the plan is discussed at the VDC meeting on October 3, the plan will be approved and finalized,” the Sarpanch added.
Gram sabha member Franky Monteiro pointed out at the meeting that not all stakeholders were taken into confidence before preparing the CZMP and made a host of suggestions for incorporation into the plan.
He suggested showing the houses on the banks of the river at Rassaim, saying the owners will not be allowed to renovate or repair their houses in the future if they don’t find mention on the CZMP.
Gram sabha member Ramiro said the panchayat’s plan has rectified the discrepancies. He said sluice gates have now been shown, while many houses which were shown in CRZ have been removed. He pointed out that fish breeding areas and fishing areas, which were not shown in the government plan have been incorporated in the new plan.
“Our plan now shows the ferry ramps at Rassaim and Borim and even the bridges,” he added.
