Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The Gram Sabha of the Loliem–Polem Village Panchayat passed six important resolutions, including one on the Draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2019, demanding adequate time and prior notice for villagers to study the plans before any decision-making.
The Gram Sabha witnessed active participation from villagers and began with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the presentation of accounts and proceedings by the Panchayat Secretary.
Six resolutions moved by Gram Sabha members Manoj Prabhugaonkar and Prashant Pagi were discussed in detail during the meeting, which was chaired by Acting Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch Ashutosh Bandekar. One of the key discussions focused on the Draft CZMP 2019, during which Prashant Pagi pointed out that several errors may have occurred while preparing the maps. He stressed that villagers must be given sufficient time and advance access to the CZMP maps to prevent injustice to traditional coastal communities. The Gram Sabha passed a resolution in this regard.
The Gram Sabha also reaffirmed its 2016 resolution on the conservation of plateau lands for traditional purposes and resolved to send a strong reminder to all departments attempting to introduce projects in these eco-sensitive plateaus.
Speaking on a proposal by the Comunidade of Loliem–Polem, through the Goa Tourism Department, to install a statue of Lord Parshuram, Manoj Prabhugaonkar stated that the proposed site falls within a highly eco-sensitive zone protected by multiple Gram Sabha resolutions. Prashant Pagi cautioned that such projects could disturb communal harmony in a village with a mixed population and may also open the plateau to unwanted concrete development, which villagers have consistently opposed.
Sam Naik raised concerns over a ₹3.5-crore commercial project proposed by the Panchayat without being discussed in the Village Development Committee or the Gram Sabha. Members questioned the lack of consultation and highlighted the limited land availability with the Panchayat.
Naik also raised issues regarding crematorium works not being executed as per tender conditions, following which the Panchayat was instructed to take up the matter with the contractor and the concerned engineer.
Another resolution was passed congratulating outgoing panch and former Sarpanch Ajay Lolekar on his election as the Zilla Parishad member from SP–Poinguinim constituency. Ajay Lolekar was present at the meeting.
Former Sarpanch and panch Bhushan Prabhugaonkar, who is also a member of the Comunidade Committee, suggested that Loliem–Polem be declared an eco-sensitive village. The proposal received strong support from villagers, and it was agreed to deliberate further before arriving at a final decision.
Panchayat Secretary Sandeep Desai and panch members Sachin Naik, Rajesh Naik, Chandrakant Sudhir and Supriya Pagi were present, while three panch members were absent.
Members also suggested initiating a local market day to promote the sale of traditional vegetables and local produce, highlighting the village’s rich biodiversity.
