PANAJI
The Chimbel gram sabha on Sunday unanimously resolved to urge the State government to reject all applications for zone change under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, stressing the need to protect land for future generations and preserve the village’s environment and biodiversity.
The resolution, moved by activist Govind Shirodkar, was adopted without dissent. The gram sabha also decided to write to the TCP and panchayat departments, requesting them not to entertain any such applications from Chimbel.
In another decision, the gram sabha rejected the panchayat’s proposed budget for the financial year 2026“27 and advised the body to seek proper guidance from its advisor before submitting it.
The meeting, however, witnessed a controversy after a local resident objected to the venue, alleging that it was held on privately owned land without consent. The gram sabha was conducted in an open space near the panchayat house as a continuation of the earlier meeting on March 15, which had been adjourned following demands for a larger venue.
Agnelo Fernandes, claiming ownership of the land, said it belonged to his late father and is now legally his. Confronting the panchayat, he questioned the authority to use the property without permission.
He also raised concerns about potential encroachment, warning that such actions could pave the way for authorities to use private land for development projects without consent, drawing parallels with past controversies like Unity Mall over projects on sensitive land.
Responding, Sarpanch Sandesh Shirodkar admitted the lapse and apologised, stating the decision to hold the meeting at the site was taken at short notice.
“We decided last night in a hurry to hold the meeting here. We apologise for not informing you,” Shirodkar said, urging the resident not to hold a grievance over the incident.
