Team Herald
VASCO: At the Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim (CAC) gram sabha, it was unanimously resolved that the Cansaulim panchayat would file a revision petition in the District and Sessions Court, Margao, regarding the order of the Additional Director of Panchayats (ADP). In the order dated June 17, the ADP directed the CAC panchayat secretary to grant a construction license for the proposed 226-room resort at Arossim-Cansaulim within seven days.
The meeting that was chaired by Deputy Sarpanch Jose Marie Furtado in the absence of Sarpanch Philomena D’Mello was largely attended by members, who wanted to raise their voice against the administration’s decision to allow the project.
The villagers called the order as lopsided and stressed that the majority of them did not want the resort, and thus it should not be constructed in their village. The members pointed out that the project was proposed in a highly eco-fragile zone consisting of a Handdi (rainstorm water channel), five ponds, low-lying tenanted paddy fields and sand dunes. They questioned how the owners got the land conversions done and reiterated that the project should not be allowed.
“Competent Automobile Company Limited did not obtain the permissions needed from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) as mandated by the MOEF.
The members resolved to fight the project tooth-and-nail, and stated that if the panchayat, judiciary or government decided to go against the people’s wishes, it would only lead to a law and order situation.
The 4G mobile tower that is being proposed in a residential area was also discussed and permission was denied.
