Team Herald
ASSOLDA: The Assolda Gram Sabha witnessed strong opposition from locals against granting Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) permission to Dinar Tarcar Company for constructing a loading and unloading jetty ramp at Xelvona. In a unanimous resolution, villagers voiced their disapproval, citing potential environmental hazards and threats to the serene atmosphere of the area.
Former panch member Manoj Kumar Naik criticised the project, emphasising the environmental risks posed to the village. Local resident Aditya Desai warned that approving the project would create major challenges for Assolda panchayat, urging authorities to reject the proposal to protect the village's natural beauty and safeguard residents' health.
Felix Fernandes, a resident of Xelvona, highlighted previous similar incidents, recalling how the "Marigold Round" project was opposed by locals. He accused the authorities of disregarding the panchayat's concerns, stating, “The jetty project would severely pollute the area and disrupt local livelihoods.”
The Gram Sabha also raised concerns about illegal structures in the Panchayat jurisdiction. Sanjay Raut Desai criticised the Panchayat's delay in taking action, despite High Court directives to demolish the illegal constructions. He demanded swift action to address the issue, which has been raised in the last three Gram Sabhas.
Reacting to the concerns, Sarpanch Custodio Fernandes assured villagers that the Panchayat passed a resolution opposing the jetty project and confirmed that the matter of illegal structures is under the Quepem deputy collector's jurisdiction, with steps already underway to address the issue.
On garbage management, Fernandes announced plans to install CCTV cameras in identified hotspots to curb illegal garbage dumping, demonstrating the Panchayat's commitment to maintaining a clean environment.