Panaji: In a strong show of unity, over 100 villagers of Loliem-Polem village today unanimously pass two key resolutions aimed at protecting their community and the environment.
During the gram sabha meeting held today, the villagers resolved to retain Loliem Village as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) within the Western Ghats, as proposed by the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The gram sabha also resolved demanding prohibiting any change in the zoning or land use of the village’s plateaus, preventing conversion to non-agricultural purposes and development that could harm the landscape.
During the meeting, villagers expressed deep concern over the rising interest by private developers, including builders and tourism promoters, who seek to turn the village’s plateau into commercial zones for short-term profit.
The villagers warned that such developments would lead to severe water shortages and environmental harm, jeopardizing the very survival of Loliem’s residents.
The Gram Sabha alleged that authorities, such as the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, had shown a disregard for sustainable development, putting the village’s future at risk.
