Cavelossim stakeholders vow to oppose draft ‘tooth and nail’; meet CM and seek removal of MPA jurisdiction
Cavelossim villagers object to the port limits shown in the draft-CZMP 2019 for the tourist village.
MARGAO
Cavelossim villagers saw red as the controversial port limits have resurfaced in the draft-Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2019.
Cavelossim villagers have reacted with anger and alarm after the controversial Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) port area limits resurfaced in the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2019, years after the same proposal was rejected and removed from the 2011 CZMP – setting the stage for yet another round of agitation demanding the removal of the port limits from the plan.
Opposing the proposal unanimously, Cavelossim villagers pointed out that the port limits shown in the draft plan cover both the riverine and seaward sides of Cavelossim village. They expressed grave concern that the draft CZMP clearly states that the provisions of the No Development Zone (NDZ) will not apply within port limits, a move they warned would spell environmental disaster for the village’s fragile ecosystem.
NDZ dilution sparks environmental fears
Villagers further stated that inclusion under port limits would restore the MPA’s authority to grant developmental permissions, while simultaneously curtailing the powers of the village panchayat as envisaged under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act.
Strong opposition was also voiced against the proposed Betul Port mentioned in the CZMP 2019, with residents warning that any port activity near the tourism belt would devastate tourism and destroy the livelihoods of local stakeholders.
Members of fishing communities, along with tourism stakeholders including shack owners and water sports operators, from Cavelossim participated in the discussion on the draft CZMP and vowed to oppose the plan “tooth and nail” and prepare a plan that will protect the village from destruction.
Villagers recall 2011 victory
Chairman of the Cavelossim Biodiversity Management Committee, Roy Barretto, expressed shock and disbelief over the proposal. He recalled that villagers had successfully fought to remove the MPA port limits from the 2011 CZMP, only to see them return in the 2019 draft.
“The port limits in the draft CZMP 2019 have brought the entire Cavelossim village under the MPA. We don’t know what hidden agenda the government has. The entire coast and riverfront of the village has been brought under port limits. This is a major concern, and we will oppose the plan come what may,” Barretto said.
He warned that notifying the entire village under port limits appears to be an attempt to bypass NDZ provisions under the CRZ notification. “The NDZ does not apply within port limits. This is a dangerous situation that will spell doom for eco-sensitive beaches, fishermen’s security and the livelihoods of shack operators,” he added.
Shack operator and president of the Goa Shack Owners Society, Cruz Cardozo, echoed similar sentiments and questioned how the port limits could reappear in the 2019 draft after being removed from the 2011 plan. “This is totally unacceptable and we will oppose the port limits,” he said.
Tourism belt at risk
Tourism stakeholder Paul Lobo highlighted that Cavelossim is known for quality tourism and a peaceful, serene environment. “By bringing back port limits in the CZMP 2019, the government seems to be planning environmental destruction. Tomorrow, they may even start handling coal here if the village comes under MPA jurisdiction. This will destroy the pristine tourism belt and the livelihoods of traditional communities,” Lobo warned.
He urged Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz to play a decisive role in ensuring that the government is forced to remove the MPA port limits from the village.
Backing the villagers, Sarpanch Dixon Vaz assured that the panchayat would oppose the port limits vehemently. He also warned that the proposed Betul Port shown in CZMP 2019 would spell doom for tourism along the Cavelossim belt.
“It is shocking that the port limits have returned. We are a tourism village and do not want the problems faced by villages in Mormugao taluka to affect Cavelossim,” Dixon said.
Assuring residents of swift action, the sarpanch said he would immediately take up the matter with local MLA Venzy Viegas. He added that a delegation comprising villagers, panchayat representatives and the MLA would soon meet the Chief Minister to demand the removal of the MPA port limits from Cavelossim village.
Villagers cry foul over hasty CZMP process, short deadline
MARGAO: Anxiety and fears were raised amongst the villagers inhabiting Salcete’s coastline, spanning from Cavelossim to Carmona, on Sunday as they questioned the Salcete Block Development Officer’s short deadline to take a decision on the draft-2019 Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) by January 20.
The Salcete BDO’s e-mail directing the panchayats to convey the suggestions to the government within six days triggered outrage as well as shock and surprise over the government’s move to rush with the important CZMP exercise.
The gram sabha of Cavelossim village panchayat chaired by Sarpanch Dixon Vaz rejected the Salcete BDO’s six-day deadline to discuss the CZMP and send the suggestions and objections to the government by January 20.
Saying this short deadline is not acceptable given the nature of the exercise, the gram sabha members not only rejected the deadline, but told the government to send the plan afresh for discussions and deliberations.
After receiving the e-mail from the Salcete BDO, Sarpanch Dixon had decided to place the CZMP at the Sunday gram sabha for discussions. Gram sabha members, however, asserted that the plan cannot be deliberated in a haste, more so when the plan seeks to dilute the panchayat’s authority by bringing back the port limits in the plan.
Activist questions BDO’s role in draft plan, seeks GCZMA explanation
MARGAO: Environmental activist Judith Almeida on Sunday questioned the role of the Salcete Block Development Officer (BDO) in the 2019 draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP), stating that the matter falls exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA).
Expressing shock and surprise, Almeida said the BDO had no locus standi in the CZMP process. She took strong objection to the January 20 deadline reportedly set by the Salcete BDO for village panchayats to submit objections and suggestions to the draft plan. “There are laid-down protocols and guidelines that must be followed. The Salcete BDO cannot simply email the draft CZMP a week ago and arbitrarily fix a deadline for panchayats to respond. This is completely unacceptable,” Almeida said.
She demanded an explanation from the GCZMA director and the Minister for Environment regarding what she termed the undue haste with which the draft CZMP is being pushed through at the panchayat level. “This is a clear attempt to fast-track the CZMP without due process. Several panchayats are not even aware of the BDO’s email. The people of Goa will not allow the government to present this plan with ulterior motives,” Almeida warned.
