VASCO: Goencho Ekvott and other civil society members had to rush to CZMP public hearing venue on Thursday as it was continued the same day putting rest to speculations that it would continue on Friday.
On Thursday evening after 6 pm some individuals decided to boycott the public hearing and many speakers who were present also followed the suit unaware that they won’t be getting another chance to put forth their suggestions and objections on CZMP. When the public hearing continued nonstop many among boycotters returned to the venue to save their day.
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Orville Dourado Rodrigues, of Goencho Ekvott said the timely action of Goencho Ekvott and other organizations to continue attending the public hearing at SGPDA, Margao saved the day for the coastal villages of Salcete, Mormugao, Quepem and Canacona where most of the inaccuracies in the draft CZMP were clearly pointed out. “If not for our action, all these coastal villages would have forever lost their right to be represented in the finalization of the CZMP,” said Rodrigues.
Dr.Fr. Bolmax Pereira, parish priest of Chicalim church also said that it is wrong on the part of some individuals who left the hearing in the evening. “Who gave them the right to decide about others? What was the legality of their decision to boycott the hearing in the evening when everyone was expecting that the hearing would continue?” asked Pereira.
“My number was 972 and I was expecting that my turn would come may be on Monday. Later in the evening when I learnt that the numbers are being called quickly and soon my turn would come I rushed at the venue and put forth my views. I also asked the Collector to allow those speakers who missed their opportunity to put their suggestions because of the confusion should be heard. To this Collector agreed to receive their written submission of their objections and suggestions till July 15,” he said.
Capt.Viriato Fernandes, State convenor of Goencho Avaaz party said that his number was 541 and therefore he expected his turn would also come Monday therefore he left for home at 4 pm. “But I got a call at around 7 pm informing me that the serial number has touched 500 and I might lose the chance to present my views on CZMP. Therefore I rushed at the venue, after reaching I learnt that since the speakers left the venue in the evening, my serial number has come quickly. I put forth our suggestions related to our village because we want best of best CZMP,” he added.
