Residents of Tivim recently convened a public meeting to scrutinize structural changes introduced under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act, alleging that a gazette notification had reclassified 52,000 square meters of cultivable irrigation command land in Tivim as commercial space. The gathering was organized by the civic advocacy group Goyche Fuddle Pillge Khatir (GFPK).
Concerns Over Ecological Impact
Architect and activist Elsa Fernandes highlighted that random spot amendments to regional plans were endangering ecologically sensitive areas. She further claimed that salt pans and mangroves were being stripped of their ecological identity in official records by being broadly categorized as 'no development zones.' 'We elect government officials as public representatives to cultivate and preserve our biodiversity and ecology, not to permanently damage and besmirch our heritage,' Fernandes stated.
Warnings from Environmental Researcher
Environmental researcher Avertino Miranda warned that unregulated money flows were undermining the traditional communidade stewardship system, which has historically managed common lands. He emphasized that such financial influences could lead to irreversible environmental degradation.
Call for Grassroots Participation
GFPK president Jack Mascarenhas called for stronger grassroots participation in protecting villages and the environment. He urged residents to remain vigilant and actively engage in local governance to prevent further ecological harm.
Resolution and Next Steps
The meeting concluded with a resolution to file an administrative appeal before the block development officer, seeking a special gram sabha to discuss the issue in detail. Residents expressed determination to reverse the land reclassification and safeguard Tivim's agricultural heritage.
