Team Herald
CANACONA: Raising concerns about the consequences of the Regional Plan 2021, panchayats from Canacona have demanded that the plan be kept for public scrutiny at all panchayat offices across the taluka so that rural residents can effectively give suggestions or raise objections.
This was in response to the government’s announcement that the RP will be kept open in the taluka’s Town And Country Planning office for public scrutiny and to invite suggestions/objections.
Agonda panch Pramod Phaldessai said it is not convenient for rural residents to travel to city/town offices to submit their suggestions or raise objections. Hence, it is essential that the draft RP of villages be kept for public scrutiny in the respective panchayat offices.
Panchas also pointed out that in case people feel there are many discrepancies or proposals that affect the locals, some panchayats may opt to convene a special gram sabha to discuss and arrive at a decision.
“Officials from the TCP offices can also help by attending the special gram sabhas and explain what exactly the provision and plans drawn in the draft plan mean and how it will benefit the residents. People have a right to know, and this will help get their doubts cleared as to how their land will be used,” said Phaldessai.
