Pilgao objects to village land development

TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BICHOLIM: The panchayat and residents of Pilgao have objected strongly to the development of plots in an area of about 69,000 sq mts at Bagwada-Pilgao.
Addressing a news conference here in the city, Pilgao Sarpanch Jayent Kawlekar expressed displeasure over the felling of trees to make plots for commercial purpose.
“This activity is being done by an unknown person who has purchased land at Bagwada. There is no NOC obtained from authorities or the panchayat to undertake this work and we strongly object to this activity,” he said.
One Vishnu Jalmi had highlighted the issue in a letter on April 14 and had asked the panchayat to initiate action in the issue.
Stated that the land at Bagwada as per the Regional Plan 2021 is a natural cover or orchard land, Jalmi stated that the land could not be utilised for any development.
“This so-called development is taking place in wards dominated by the Scheduled Tribe population. These people have valid and legitimate interest in their periphery and thus said development would be severely affecting their livelihood and socio-religious interests,” stated the letter, adding that the gram sabha had also resolved to keep the area in its present condition and had opposed any development.
Following Jalmi’s complaint, the panchayat wrote to the forest minister, deputy conservator of forest, chief conservator of forest, town and country planning department, Goa State Commission for Schedule Tribes and Scheduled Castes, Bicholim deputy collector and the mamladar to look into the matter.