Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The Khola Gram Sabha has unanimously resolved not to issue trade licences or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to non-Goan tourism operators, while deciding to promote and support only local Goan entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
Informing the Gram Sabha, Khola Sarpanch Pradnya Kamat stated that preference will be given exclusively to local Goan operators and that no existing licences or NOCs issued to non-Goan tourism entrepreneurs will be renewed in the future. She further clarified that no fresh permissions, licences or NOCs will be granted henceforth to non-Goan operators within the Khola Panchayat jurisdiction.
At the outset, the well-attended Gram Sabha passed a resolution congratulating Sarpanch Pradnya Kamat for the overall progressive work carried out by the Khola Panchayat during her tenure. Members appreciated the renovation and new look of the Panchayat building, along with development works completed and initiated across all wards.
During the meeting, Gram Sabha member Prashant Kholkar pressed for a resolution to deny permissions, licences and NOCs for any type of project to non-Goans. Other members demanded that details of non-Goan businessmen operating in Khola village be placed before the Gram Sabha and sought clarification on employment opportunities being provided to local villagers.
Members also questioned whether all shack owners had submitted the required documentation to operate their businesses and sought details of action taken by the Panchayat against those functioning without proper approvals.
After prolonged deliberations, the Gram Sabha unanimously resolved that no NOC, licence or permit would be issued to any non-Goan to operate tourism or any other business in the village. Reiterating the decision, Sarpanch Pradnya Kamat stated that no extensions of existing permits or fresh approvals would be granted to non-Goans in the Khola Panchayat area.
Another resolution was passed to conduct cleanliness drives in all nine wards of the Khola Panchayat to maintain hygiene and cleanliness across the village.
The Gram Sabha also discussed the weak and dilapidated condition of the Saleri bridge. Members expressed concern that the bridge, which is on the verge of collapse, poses a serious risk to human lives. A resolution was passed urging the government to immediately take up the rebuilding of the Saleri bridge. The Sarpanch informed that although the Panchayat has sought the stability test report conducted by a government-appointed expert agency, the report is yet to be received. However, as per the Panchayat’s assessment, the bridge has outlived its lifespan and requires urgent demolition and reconstruction.
The Gram Sabha was also informed that the completion of an important water pipeline from Kudai to Kazumoll would bring significant relief to residents of the village.
Panchayat Secretary Raju Naik Gaunkar, panch members Krishna Velip and Pandhari Prabhudesai, along with several Gram Sabha members, participated in the discussions.
