Nuvem Gram Sabha Unanimously Opposes Digital 3D Land Survey, Demands Broader Coverage
The Nuvem gram sabha, convened on Sunday in Margao, took a firm stance against the proposed digital 3D land survey of the village by passing a resolution demanding its immediate cancellation. The assembly, representing the collective voice of villagers, expressed strong reservations about the survey's scope and potential implications.
Resolution Challenges Directorate of Settlement and Land Records
The resolution, formally moved by Jose Roque Andrade, directly challenges the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records (DSLR) to abandon its planned digital 3D survey of Nuvem village. This development places Nuvem among several villages surrounding Margao that have voiced opposition to the central government's Naksha scheme, following similar protests from neighboring villages like Navelim and Davorlim in recent weeks.
Multiple Concerns Raised by Village Residents
During the gram sabha meeting, villagers articulated a series of pressing concerns regarding the proposed survey:
- Selective Targeting: Residents questioned why Nuvem was being singled out from the broader constituency for this survey, suggesting it should encompass the entire constituency if deemed necessary.
- Municipal Merger Fears: There were apprehensions that the survey might be a precursor to merging villages into the Margao municipality, potentially altering local governance structures.
- Escheats Act Connection: Villagers raised suspicions about whether the survey was linked to government plans under the Escheats Act, 2024, which could lead to appropriation of vacant or inherited land.
- Disputed Lands Uncertainty: Members demanded clarity on how disputed lands would be handled during the survey process.
- No Development Zone Impact: Concerns were expressed about the treatment of farmhouses located within the No Development Zone.
- Beneficiary Questions: Villagers questioned who would ultimately benefit from the exercise, expressing skepticism about its purpose.
The gram sabha resolved that any future survey, if absolutely required, should comprehensively cover the entire Nuvem constituency rather than focusing narrowly on the village in isolation.
Heated Exchange Over Kirbhat Area Mega Project
The meeting also witnessed a heated exchange concerning a mega project approved in the Kirbhat area. Residents challenged the sarpanch about the approval process, particularly noting that the access road measured only 3.5 meters in width, contrary to the 6 meters shown in Town and Country Planning (TCP) documents.
Villagers questioned whether the panchayat conducted any ground inspection before granting approval for the project. In response, the assembly passed a resolution to disallow any further mega projects in the area. Sarpanch Freda D'Sa pledged solidarity with the villagers on this issue, committing to stand with them in their opposition.
Additional Community Concerns Addressed
Other significant matters raised during the gram sabha included:
- Roadside Vendor Encroachments: Residents highlighted traffic hazards caused by roadside vendor encroachments along village roads, calling for immediate attention to this safety issue.
- Carrying Capacity of Nuvem: Discussions focused on the sustainable development limits and carrying capacity of Nuvem village.
- NH17 De-notification Follow-up: The assembly sought follow-up on the proposed de-notification of the old NH17 stretch at Nuvem, specifically from Fr Agnel College to the Honda showroom.
The Nuvem gram sabha demonstrated active community engagement with local governance issues, reflecting growing concerns about land rights, development projects, and transparent administrative processes in the region surrounding Margao.
