MARGAO
That the public hearing on the controversial Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) was heading toward trouble became evident from the word go at the Ravindra Bhavan auditorium even though the authorities tried to have its way by restricting the entry of people.
After district Collector, South Surendra Naik initiated the proceedings as per the scheduled time at 10.30 am, saying that the National Council for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) will give a presentation on the plan, activist Ramiro Mascarenhas was quick to question the proceedings when many people who had registered are still to make inside the auditorium.
Activist Avinash Tavares questioned the police present within and outside the venue, demanding to know whether the authorities think the people are criminals. He also questioned the cap on the participants and the time limit.
Activist Abhijit Prabhudesai directed his ire at the NCSCM, questioning Manik Mahapara over the fate of the plans submitted by the village Panchayats across the state. “Where are the public suggestions made in 2019? You are out to sell Goa for the corporate,” he said, even as he directed his tirade at authorities for failing to make necessary arrangements for the public hearing.
Capt Viriato Fernandes questioned the NCSCM official over his knowledge about Goa, saying it is a shame that the plan has been prepared without taking the public views into account.
Diana Tavares demanded that the authorities explain the notification under which the CZMPs public hearing is being held, insisting on the notification proceeding further.
Olencio Simoes said the questioned the propriety of holding the hearing sans proper notice, demanding that the plan be sent to the villages.
A whole lot of participants, including Chinchinim Panchayat member John, Abhijit Prabhudesai, Zarinha Da Cunha, Franky Monteiro, Cruz Silva, Capt. ViriatoFernandes, Charles D’Silva, Agnelo and others raised the pitch for sending the plans to the village Panchayats. In fact, they said the village Panchayats will be more than happy to welcome the public hearings in the villages.
Goenche Ramponkarancho Ekvott leaders Olencio Simoes and Agnelo Rodrigues drew attention of the Collector that the most affected stakeholders, the fishermen community are denied entry into the venue.
COMMON POINTS & DEMANDS MADE AT THE HEARING
>> Postpone the haring and explain the draft CZMP at the village and Municipality level before conducting a public consultation
>> The draft CZMP 2011 placed in public domain for consultation had not been incorporated in the plan submitted by the local bodies. This aspect needs to be explained at village/municipalities level with reasons.
>> Now since all the activities are normalized, no restrictions on the number of participants should be enforced and all those interested should be allowed to participate in the public consultation process.
>> Since only 150 speakers/participants have been allowed to enter the premises, therefore it amounted to a personal hearing and not public consultation as envisaged by the notification
>> The CZMP maps have to be prepared locally and not by agency outside the state
