VASCO
The two-day public hearing on the proposed declaration of Maimollem Lake as Wetland ended in Vasco on Friday, with 98 registering suggestions and objections on the second and final day.
A total of 156 people have filed statements during the two-day public hearing by the Grievance Committee of the Goa State Wetlands Authority (GSWA).
While residents demanded protection of rights and privileges for farmers, land owners and house owners, the Grievance Committee of GSWA maintained that major confusions in the minds of people had been addressed during the public hearing.
The committee also added that other issues would be escalated to GSWA for the final decision.
Speaking to reporters, social activist Sanjay Redkar said the proposed declaration of Maimollem Lake as a wetland declaration was a good initiative.
“This initiative must be supported by Vascokars, provided residents are protected while farmers should be given rights to cultivation in the future. All these should be put in the final notification so that people are clear of what their rights are and what they can do and what they cannot if Maimollem Lake is declared as a wetland,” said Redkar.
A resident, Shailesh Govekar, said the Maimollem fields started getting inundated with water since 1995 onwards.
“After that, these fields could not be cultivated and I have suggested that cultivation rights be offered to farmers. There are some people who have existing houses with roofing tiles and they should be given the right to build a RCC structure in the future and their rights need to be protected,” said Govekar.
Another resident, Bablo Pandurang Naik, said the only issue in his mind was about his house. “My house has been there since 1955 and I pointed out that my house in the survey number and I only asked if I can build my house in the future. The grievances committee verbally assured me that I can construct, upgrade or renovate my house in the future,” said Naik.
“I have asked for a written confirmation and they have said the minutes will be recorded. While we don’t have anything against the wetland, the rights of the people need to be protected.”
Mormugao Biodiversity Board Chairman Yatin Kamurlekar said the public hearing was peaceful. “The Grievance Committee gave everyone a patient hearing and Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar was present on both the days to hear the concerns of the people,” said Kamurlekar.
“I hope that all issues and grievances put forward to the committee will be addressed. Some issues have been resolved here and the other issues like zoning, development will be taken to the higher-ups.”
“I expect that the Maimollem Lake will be declared as a wetland without inconveniencing the residents, farmers, land owners and house owners in the surrounding areas.”
80% doubts, issues resolved at hearing: GSWA member secy
VASCO: The Goa State Wetlands Authority (GSWA) Member Secretary Johnson Fernandes said 80 per cent of the doubts and issues among people had been resolved in the two days of the public hearing at Vasco.
Thanking the people for their peaceful approach towards the Grievance Committee, Fernandes said there had been a lot of doubts among people regarding the impact on their farms, houses or their lands if the Maimollem Lake was declared as a wetland. “Most doubts have been cleared and many people have returned satisfied after discussions in this public hearing. Some decisions pertaining to further developments, construction of roads, or construction in the open land purchased by the people will be escalated by us to the GSWA.”
Issues of farmers, house owners sorted: Salkar
VASCO: Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar on Friday accused Congress leaders, including South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes had been politicising the issue to benefit a particular lobby.
