Gram sabha passes resolution against coal transportation
Margao: The gram sabha of the Loutolim panchayat on Sunday passed a resolution against the proposed diversion of the Mhadei water by the Karnataka government, seeking revocation of all the permissions granted to the contentious Kalasa-Banduri project.
The locals attending the meeting resolved to urge the forest department to prevent possible loss of wildlife that could befall on the state if the Mhadei water is diverted.
The water dispute between Karnataka and Goa has intensified after the Centre approved the detailed project report (DPR) submitted by Karnataka for the project.
The approval of the DPR triggered uproar in Goa. Opposition parties and social activists rallying under ‘Save Mhadei, Save Goa Front’ have been slamming the BJP government over the matter.
Hence the gram sabha of the Loutolim panchayat demanded withdrawal of the DPR approval.
They also resolved to seek immediate halt to the ongoing coal handling at the Mormugao port and coal transportation through the state.
The villagers insisted that these resolutions be forwarded to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant as also to the central
government after they are endorsed at the next month’s meeting of the panchayat.
The resolutions were moved by former sarpanch Xavier Fernandes and Ramiro Mascarenhas.
The gram sabha attendees also resolved to ask the concerned authorities to withdraw the approved coastal zone management plan (CZMP) and prepare fresh CZMP maps in consultation with panchayats and people.
They demanded that permissions should not be granted under the CZMP.
It is pertinent to note that many villagers fear that if the approved plan is implemented then their houses could be jeopardised.
The gram sabha members urged the local self-governing body to weigh options, including approaching the High Court of Bombay at Goa, over the CZMP issue.
A resolution was also adopted demanding that junction boxes on streetlight poles be covered as they pose a threat to passersby.
Sarpanch Joana Fernandes passed the budget of the panchayat for the next financial year at the meeting.