VASCO: Vasco citizens are yet to give their suggestions and raise objections if any on the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) draft of Vasco town. Some citizens feel that it is lethargy on the part of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to create publicity about CZMP in Vasco, whereas the Chief Officer (CO) said that the CZMP plan draft was kept for public notice but no suggestion or objection has come from citizens to MMC.
When contacted MMC CO, Gaurish Shankhwalkar said that MMC received the CZMP plan of Vasco around 15 days back and immediately it was put in the municipality for public display. “A notice was also put up on the notice board requesting people to give their suggestions and also point out any objections if they have any, but till date no suggestion or objection has come to us,” said Shankhwalkar.
Savio Correia, social activist from Vasco stated, “I strongly condemn the total inaction, irresponsibility, and lethargy of the MMC in preparation of CZMP for the Mormugao municipal area. The environment department had asked all local bodies to prepare their own CZMP plan for the area within their jurisdiction and submit to the GCZMA by October 14. However, MMC has turned a blind eye to the preparation of the most critical environmental protection plan that is bound to impact future generations to come”.
“A substantial portion of the municipal area is impacted by CRZ Regulations. Traditional fishing community members are the original inhabitants of Vasco, and fishing continues to be a major component of the local economy. I feel that MMC is missing out on a golden opportunity to prepare its own coastal environment management plan that could identify and propose areas for a modern fishing jetty, among other things. The plan could have included measures to restore Vasco Bay (Kharewaddo) beach that has seen massive erosion due to haphazard dredging and berth constructions by MPT. The fishing wards at Baina and Kharewaddo could have been accurately marked to ensure protection to houses of traditional fishermen facing demolition,” he added.
He further referred to how the Corporation of City of Panjim had scheduled the public consultation.
“Environmental protection is one of the powers and responsibilities of urban local bodies enshrined under the 12th Schedule of the Constitution. However, sad to say, it appears that the priorities of the 25 MMC councillors lie elsewhere” Correia added.
MMC councilor, Fredrick Henriques when contacted, stated that he had raised the CZMP issue in the ordinary council meeting.
“I feel that Vasco people have not got enough opportunity to raise their objections and suggestions on CZMP plan of Vasco town, therefore I feel that there should be an extension of few days given to Vascokars to suggest and object to the CZMP plan” Henriques opined.
