MARGAO
The gram sabha of the village panchayat of Sarzora in one voice on Sunday said a firm no to the proposed railway station in the village.
The gram sabha has further resolved to object change in zone of agriculture fields into settlement in the village.
The panchayat body had earlier taken a resolution opposing the railway station. The resolution has already been forwarded to the government for necessary action.
At the gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Leona Fernandes, members deliberated on the government’s proposal to set up the railway station.
Members expressed their concerns that the railway station, if allowed to take shape at Sarzora, would spell doom for the village ecology and biodiversity and open the flood gates for migrants.
Later briefing the media, Sarpanch Leona informed that the gram sabha has unanimously adopted a resolution to oppose the proposed railway station. “The panchayat body has already adopted a resolution opposing any move to set up a railway station at Sarzora. The gram sabha has passed another resolution opposing the station,” she said.
The sarpanch further informed that the gram sabha members have in one voice objected to change of zone of the agriculture fields to settlement. “Villagers have vowed to protect and preserve the agricultural fields. Hence, people have opposed change in zone of the agricultural fields to settlement,” the sarpanch added.
The gram sabha has also adopted a resolution demanding access for the villagers to the picturesque Sarzora lake. “Gram sabha members have lamented that the Water Resources Department has blocked access for the villagers to the water body. They have demanded that the lake is kept open for local residents at least for certain hours of the day,” she added.
Sarzora panchayat member Sabita Mascarenhas told the media that the people of Sarzora have made it abundantly clear at the gram sabha that they are strongly opposed to proposed railway station.
She said though the railway authorities now maintain that they have proposed a railway station at Sao Jose de Areal, the villagers have decided to be on their guard to foil any attempts to set up the railway station at Sarzora.
