Cuncoliem villagers, VP join hands to oppose conversion of orchard land
Team Herald
PONDA: The Veling-Priol-Cuncoliem gram sabha unanimously passed a resolution opposing the conversion of orchard land development of residential plots in Cuncoliem village. The resolution was supported by Sarpanch Harsha Gaude, who echoed the community's concerns regarding the proposed development of approximately 150 plots.
During the meeting, villagers expressed their disapproval of the project, which they believe threatens the local demography, water resources, and agricultural land. The proposed development is centered around two survey numbers, 27/0 and 28/0. Villagers urged the government to heed their demands and refrain from permitting any land conversion in the area.
In a show of solidarity, locals raised their hands in support of the resolution, emphasising their commitment to protecting their land. They also called on potential buyers to refrain from purchasing agricultural land in Cuncoliem, warning that the community would not tolerate any construction activities.
Sarpanch affirmed that the panchayat stands with the locals in their efforts to safeguard the land. The villagers also discussed various other development initiatives during the meeting.
This resolution follows recent reports of plots being available for sale in Cuncoliem. In response, villagers held a prior meeting and displayed a board urging people not to buy the plots. They submitted a memorandum to various authorities, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, highlighting their opposition to the proposed development of approximately 100,000 square metres of orchard land. The memorandum cited concerns over environmental degradation and demographic changes, requesting urgent intervention to prevent deforestation and hill cutting associated with the development.