VALPOI
Poriem MLA and Chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation Deviya Rane has assured that the concerns of people from Sattari taluka will once again be placed before the central government.
She was responding to the inclusion of 63 villages in Sattari taluka in the seventh draft notification of the Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which has once again sparked concern among residents.
"We will file our objections again before the union ministry. There will be no compromise on the interests of the people of Sattari, and every possible step will be taken to safeguard their rights and concerns," Rane said.
She stated that the government is fully aware of sentiments and apprehensions of the people regarding the proposed EDA. “Similar objections had been submitted earlier by local residents, farmers, village panchayats, social organisations and public representatives. Following the publication of the seventh draft notification, the government will once again compile all representations and submit comprehensive objections to the Union Ministry,” said Rane.
“If necessary, consultations would also be held with local representatives, panchayats and organisations to present a united stand.”
Emphasising that interests of Sattari's residents would remain the government's top priority, Rane added: “The government is committed to ensuring that agriculture, horticulture, housing, employment, infrastructure development and traditional occupations are not adversely affected by any final decision.”
According to Rane, while Sattari is environmentally rich and ecologically important, equal importance must be given to protecting the livelihoods and day-to-day lives of local communities. She said future decisions would be guided by aspirations and concerns of the people.
Rane appealed to people not to believe rumours or misinformation regarding the draft notification.
"No decision will be allowed to cause injustice to the people of Sattari. The State government and local representatives will strongly present the people's concerns before the Centre,” she said.
She also appealed to citizens to study the draft notification carefully and submit their own suggestions and objections within the prescribed period so that the region's concerns can be effectively represented before the central government.
