Team Herald
MARGAO: The Carmona and Orlim gram sabhas, convened separately on Sunday, passed strong resolutions against the government’s move to construct jetties on the River Sal saying that it could threaten their village bio diversity.
In Carmona, villagers voiced their opposition to unauthorised developments, particularly concerning a notified bandh within the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ). Allegations were raised that the bandh was being developed without the necessary approvals from the village panchayat.
“These bandhs are legally protected, and we are questioning whether the necessary permissions were obtained and if any soil testing was carried out before proceeding with the work,” said gram sabha member Savio Santos.
Sarpanch Sandra Fernandes clarified that the panchayat had not granted any approvals for the development. Consequently, members resolved to seek clarification from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) on whether the work had been authorised and how public funds were allocated for it. They also noted that CRZ regulations empower the panchayat to issue a stop-work order in ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves and khazan lands.
The gram sabha also discussed other pressing matters, including the installation of an underground cable and an 11kV transformer. Additionally, they passed a resolution to protect a communidade pond by recommending its designation as a command area under the Goa Command Area Development Act. Members stressed that the pond plays a crucial role in irrigation due to the natural gradient of the region and must be safeguarded against encroachment. They warned that any obstruction to the pond’s sluice gates and emergency overflow channel could lead to flooding in adjacent residential areas.
A key decision taken at the Carmona gram sabha was the rejection of the Centre’s proposal to declare MDR-43—stretching from Velsao junction on NH17B to Mobor Beach junction—as a national highway under the ‘Get Set Goa’ initiative. Villagers expressed concerns over the project’s potential impact on the local environment and community.
Meanwhile, the Orlim gram sabha also took a strong stance against the proposed construction of jetties in the River Sal. During the meeting, chaired by Sarpanch Simon Pereira, members highlighted the environmental risks associated with the project and unanimously passed a resolution opposing it.
In addition to this, the gram sabha discussed and approved an amended annual budget proposal. Members scrutinised various allocations and recommended ways for the panchayat to improve revenue collection, particularly through house and commercial taxes. They also urged the panchayat to upgrade its website to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Concerns were raised over the high costs of hiring legal advocates to represent the panchayat in various cases, prompting discussions on alternative approaches to managing legal expenses.
With both Carmona and Orlim opposing large-scale development projects along the River Sal, villagers remain committed to protecting their land, water bodies, and ecological balance.