Team Goemkarponn
Valpoi: In a significant show of local support, the eco-tourism project planned at Surla in Sattari taluka received unanimous approval from the Gram Sabha of Thane Panchayat. The special Gram Sabha, convened on Sunday, saw the active participation of villagers, who endorsed the Goa Tourism Corporation’s eco-friendly project aimed at boosting rural development.
The proposed project, which has already received approval from the state government, is expected to see a foundation stone-laying ceremony in the coming days. However, the initiative has come under legal scrutiny after certain environmentalists from Goa filed a public interest litigation (PIL) against it, casting uncertainty over its future.
During the meeting, Panchayat Secretary Sarvesh Gaonkar read out the minutes of the previous Gram Sabha and presented the written opinions submitted by villagers regarding the eco-tourism plan. When the resolution to support the project was presented, the gathered citizens raised their hands in unanimous approval, asserting that the project would bring much-needed development to the area.
Local residents Prakash Gaonkar, Shrikant Gaonkar, and Santosh Gaonkar voiced concerns that the objections raised by environmentalists were aimed at obstructing progress in the village. “This project will lead to the overall development of Surla, and those opposing it are acting against the interests of our community,” they said.
Thane Sarpanch Nilesh Parwar, Deputy Sarpanch Sonia Gaonkar, and Panch members Sarita Gaonkar, Anushka Gaonkar, Vinayak Gaonkar, Subhash Gawade, Suresh Aayakar, and Tanaya Gaonkar were present at the meeting. The resolution supporting the eco-tourism initiative was passed unanimously, highlighting strong local backing despite the ongoing legal challenge.
