CURCHOREM: Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral on Saturday called upon the people to shun protests and urged them to participate in the CZMP presentation by providing suggestions in writing so as to find a solution.
Addressing the gathering of people at a special meeting at Ravindra Bhavan, Curchorem, Cabral said, “The panchayat and municipalities are playing a vital role and hence they must take objections and suggestions from the stakeholders with regards to CZMP. If it is possible to make corrections in the plan scientifically as per the notification, we will get back to the people to explain to them what is corrected and why certain things are not possible to correct, and accordingly we will proceed.”
With regards to the fishermen’s concerns, Cabral said, “As per 2011 notification, fishermen wards should be shown in the plan and therefore the concerned panchayats should send us the report showing the particular area of fishermen in their respective jurisdiction so that the same can be included in the plan.”
“Panchayats and municipalities should send
separate rolls showing the houses of non-fishermen, which existed prior to 1991 along with documents to the government supporting the same and if it is possible to show them in the plan scientifically then after approving the same, the structures will definitely be shown in the plan,” Cabral assured.
Meanwhile, some people from Betul protested outside the Ravindra Bhavan premises with placards.
Later, Delfie Barbosa, a panch informed that entire population of Betul is opposing the CRZ plan as the locals are dependent on fishing activities and they fear that CZMP if implemented would destroy the entire village.
“Officers should come to the people and prepare the plan by taking everyone into the confidence,” Fernandes demanded and added that the present plan, which is kept in the panchayat, is not acceptable to them.
“Our ancestors were residing there and brought up their children by carrying out fishing activities even when there were no proper roads. We have protected our village and now without involving us or the Panchayat, the authorities have prepared a plan,” complained Pracy Pereira, a local who demanded that a new plan be prepared by taking the locals into confidence.
Environment director Johnson Fernandes, Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council chief officer Ajay Gaude were also present.
