PERNEM
The Gram Sabha of Tuem Village Panchayat held on Sunday passed several resolutions concerning development, environmental protection and infrastructure issues in the village.
Villagers expressed concern over the pressure that future development projects could place on Tuem’s existing resources. The village currently has a population of around 4,000, while the 2011 Census recorded 2,751 residents. They pointed out that the proposed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) residential project could add over 3,000 people to the village population. They also raised concerns about the impact of upcoming private residential projects on roads, water resources and other basic facilities.
The Gram Sabha reiterated its decision to conduct a Carrying Capacity Study to scientifically assess how much population growth and development the village can support without affecting the environment and infrastructure.
The villagers also demanded that agricultural land, paddy fields, hill slopes, forests, wetlands, natural streams, water sources, biodiversity areas and other ecologically sensitive zones be protected from development-related changes.
During the meeting, the Gram Sabha passed a resolution demanding the repeal of Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, 1974. It also resolved that no zoning change proposals under the provision should be approved until the Carrying Capacity Study is completed. The villagers sought a review of proposals already approved under Section 39A on legal and environmental grounds. They were informed that the constitutional validity of the provision is currently being examined by the Goa Bench of the High Court.
Apart from planning issues, villagers raised concerns over the slow progress of underground electricity cabling works and the increasing problem of stray cattle on village roads. They urged the concerned departments to take immediate action.
The resolutions will be forwarded to the Chief Minister, Town and Country Planning Minister, Chief Town Planner, Director of the Town and Country Planning Department, District Collector, Mandrem MLA and other concerned authorities.
