SANGUEM: The panchayat of Bhati in Sanguem has called for a special gram sabha on Thursday to oppose the proposed move by the government to declare the areas adjoining the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary as eco-sensitive zone.
The panchayats of Wadem Curdi and Netravali held their special gram sabhas on Sunday wherein a large number of villagers strongly opposed any move by the government to declare the panchayat areas as eco-sensitive zone.
At the gram sabha held at Kurdi Wadem panchayat member Kushta Gaonkar even went on to declare that if the government fails to remove the panchayat areas from the proposed eco sensitive zone, then the villagers would be compelled to boycott the coming elections.
Gaonkar said, “The declaration of eco sensitive zone will be suicidal to the people living in the panchayat areas. Despite having vast cultivable land, people will not be able to cultivate their land through mechanised farming. Moreover, the development aspect of the village will be curtailed. Even the construction of houses and cattle sheds will be restricted and the people will be at mercy of the Forest Department to undertake any activities in own properties.”
Another villager Joseph Cardozo was highly sceptical of the step-motherly treatment meted out to the people living in the rehabilitated colonies at Wadem by successive governments. Even after several decades, the government has failed to fulfil most promises.
“The rehabilitated villagers still continue to suffer and the classification of the village as eco sensitive zone will further worsen the problems already faced by the people,” claimed Cardozo.
After the meeting, a signature campaign was undertaken which was signed by majority villagers and the same along with the resolution passed at the meeting will be sent to the government and the Office of Prime Minister soon.
Meanwhile, at the proposed gram sabha to be held in Bhati panchayat, a huge gathering of villagers is expected despite being a week day as the declaration of eco sensitive zone will have a hard hitting effect on the villagers, informed panch Manoj Paryekar.
