Tuem, November 1: The Tuem Village Gram Sabha witnessed an overwhelming response from villagers on Sunday, with several important resolutions passed unanimously opposing major commercial and development projects and demanding greater accountability from the Village Panchayat.

In a significant decision, the Gram Sabha unanimously resolved to demand the revocation of permission granted for the construction of 39 villas with 39 swimming pools in the village. Members raised concerns over the impact of such large-scale development on local infrastructure, water resources and the village’s carrying capacity.

The Gram Sabha also unanimously opposed the proposed International IT Convention Centre at the Tuem Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) and the proposed Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plant, expressing strong reservations about these projects.

Reiterating its earlier stand, the Gram Sabha demanded that the Panchayat should not grant permissions for any new commercial projects until a comprehensive carrying capacity assessment report is prepared. Villagers stressed that further development must take into consideration the availability of water, existing infrastructure, environmental sustainability and the interests of local residents.

Another important resolution demanded that land acquired by the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which has remained unutilised, should be returned to its original owners.

Sarpanch Absent; Panch Member Sits With Villagers

The absence of the Sarpanch from the Gram Sabha drew attention, particularly in view of the large public turnout and the significance of the issues discussed.

Of the seven elected Panchayat members, only three attended the meeting.

In an unusual development, Panch member Anil Harmalkar chose to sit among the Gram Sabha members instead of with the Panchayat representatives, alleging that the Panchayat was not taking him into confidence on important matters.

His decision highlighted differences within the elected Panchayat body over the handling of village development issues.

The overwhelming participation and unanimous resolutions reflected the villagers’ growing concerns over commercialisation, land use and the environmental impact of proposed projects in Tuem.

The Gram Sabha’s decisions have now placed several important demands before the Panchayat and the concerned government authorities. The next crucial question is whether the authorities will act on the resolutions adopted unanimously by the villagers.