Honnavar locals petitions on marauding trucks threats in Kasarkod

To,

The Panchayat Development Officer

Kasarkod Gram Panchayat,

Honnavar

Subject: Regarding the severe danger caused to Tonka residents and fishermen due to the continuous heavy-vehicle movement belonging to Honnvara Port Private Limited through our residential area

Respected Sir/Madam,

We, the residents of Kasarkod–Tonka, bring to your notice that for the past several days, Honnavara Port Private Limited has been moving very large heavy vehicles (weighing 100–150 tons) through our narrow residential road. Because of this continuous movement, we are facing the following serious problems:

1. Our houses have developed cracks.

2. The safety of our children, women, elderly people and fishermen is at high risk.

3. Due to the vibration and shaking caused by these heavy vehicles, there is constant fear and disturbance day and night.

4. The dust pollution created by these vehicles is severely affecting the health of our children and elders.

5. Due to the traffic of these heavy vehicles, the community movement and daily activities of the villagers have been badly affected.

6. The heavy-vehicle movement has also caused significant damage to the existing village road.

Because of all these issues, our entire Tonka community is experiencing stress, fear and hardship. We are extremely unhappy with this situation. Despite repeated verbal requests, the company has not taken any remedial action.

Therefore, we hereby request you to immediately do the following on behalf of the Tonka community:

Our demands:

1. Immediately stop the movement of heavy vehicles through Tonka residential roads and direct the company to use an alternative route.

2. Inspect and assess the damage caused to our houses and ensure that the company pays adequate compensation for the damage.

3. Provide a written assurance that such dangerous vehicle movement will not be allowed again in the future through the residential area.

4. Take necessary legal action against the company for violating safety and environmental norms.

We request you to take urgent action to ensure the safety, peace and wellbeing of our community.

With respect,

Tonka Community Residents

Date: 12/12/2025

Place: Tonka – Kasarkod

Copies to:

1. Hon’ble Tahsildar, Honnavar

2. Honnavar Police Station

3. Fisheries Department, Honnavar

4. Forest Department, Honnavar

 

In defence of Joycee V. Dias

The author of the article titled "Ill-mannered & Psycho type ward Panch of Nessai, Sao Jose de Ariel in South Goa" dated 9th December 2024 Menino Santana Fernandes is plunging deeper into the bottomless pit unable face daring member of Panchayat Joycee V. Dias.

The updated arsenal of his prejudiced mind attributes to Joycee is chronicled below:

Ill- Mannered

Psycho type

Headache in the village

Member of notorious dangerous and terrorist group

Mad and criminal terrorist

Phoolan Devi

This rotten

So ill mannered 

This terrorist queen-pin

Something mentally wrong with you

Hey Joyce (Phoolan Devi)

The most stupid

If one audits the way Menino Santana Fernandes writes about there is clear sign of collapse of balance in top storey.

Joycee V. Fernandes is not only member of Panchayat but also former member of Sao Jose de Areal Panchayat in South Goa. She hold Master in Bussiness Administration plus connected with number of organisatioms in Goa.

Joycee hails from Scheduled Tribes Community. 

By hurling such insulting words towards Joycee author is on suicidal highway. Someone please rescue him.

One doesn't become great by pulling down and hitting below the belt.

One significant feature of 9th December 2024 write-up is that he never spoke anything about the JCB that was moving around on football ground that got Joycee to attend to this

The motto of the entire campaign against Joycee has been an orchestrated attached on female leadership of Goa, particularly Scheduled Tribes Community.

There is a conspiracy operating to demoralize and destroy Joycee formidable leadership qualities and it is evident from the frustrated writing of Menino Santana Fernandes that he might be just a pawn in the hands of Kingpins and Queenpins in the underground... sort of contract writer gone neck-deep in frustrations.

We pray God may touch him and set him free from the self-destructive trap he got himself into.

The Divar Manifesto

On 24 September 2024 several hundred people from Divar island submitted petition to the Goltim-Navelim Sarpanch to hold urgent extraordinary Gram Sabha to discussion several issues that calls of a seat at the table.

Petition was also served on Director of Panchayat as well as Tiswadi Block Development Officer (BDO). BDO responded quickly the next day on 25th September 2024 and directed Navelim-Goltim Panchayat to act under section 5 of Goa Panchayat Raj Act 1994.

Sarpanch of Goltim-Navelim Panchayat however has got Secretary Tukaram J. Naik to address the letter to the residents of Goltim-Navelim Panchayat that single issue of seminal importance was already addressed by the extraordinary Gram sabha called by Panchayat on 29th September 2024 even before villagers submitted the letter.

Even though single issue was addressed at the Gram Sabha involving 20 swiss cottages eco-tourism project near the Our Lady of Piety Church in land aquired from the communidade half a century ago the other 14 issues did not find the space to deliberate, discuss and decide upon at that Gram Sabha. They are therefore lingering as an open wounds of Divar Island and Goltim- Navelim Panchayat is totally responsible for this tragedy.

Indeed it is tragic case where in those who were elected to serve public are bossing over under delusion that they are masters. Ring leader of this autocratic gang is none other than Goltim-Navelim Sarpanch who is indulging in disrespecting Public requests thereby preventing empowered and informed development of Divar Island.

As a protest against the Goltim-Navelim Panchayat decision not to call for extraordinary Gram Sabha dealing with Village issue we share here all the 15 issues with you so that they are not pushed under the carpet by the Panchayat but remain alive in public memory to inflame daring yet wise actions as Divar Manifesto:

1. Diwar being declared as a Tourism Village by the Goa Tourism Department, under the implementation of “Tourist Villages Development Scheme 2021”  to be rejected outright .

2. Housing Projects in our Village to be strictly dealt with considering the carrying capacity of our Village.

3. Pilot Project for Mangrove Restoration in our Village on cultivable Khazan lands.

4. Eco Tourism Project by Goa Tourism Department in their property next to the Our Lady of Piety Church.

5. Oppose the construction of bridge linking Divar Island to Vanxim Island as announced by Hon’ble Chief Minister at the recent Bonderam festival.

6. Enforcement of the outer bunds of Goltim and Navelim by planting mangroves along the river banks to be taken up on war footing by utilizing the services of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority so as to prevent breaches in bunds.

7. The Water Sports activities approved by the Goa Tourism Department along our Village boundary in the river Mandovi

8. Demolition of illegal construction of MRF shed in Panchayat property without leaving the mandatory setback in the vicinity of Lord Redeemer’s Chapel. 

9. Filing of FIR against unknown persons for the unauthorized and rampant land filling taking place with construction debris specially along road side with the Panchayat authorities remaining silent spectators.  The land be restored to its original.

10. Inundation of Khazan lands in Goltim-Navelim by saline water.

11. Progress Report Card alongwith the list of Committee Members of various Village Development Committees of the Panchayat appointed for the betterment of our Village be placed before the Gram Sabha for discussion.

12. The sorry state of Public Utilities in our Village including regulated Public water supply, frequent Electricity failures, Speed Breakers and erection of Traffic Sign Boards, frequent Ferry breakdowns, non-availability Doctor during nights and other essential public utilities.

13. Mandatory registration of Migrant population residing in our village in rental premises.

14. Review of completed/ongoing projects specially those undertaken by outsiders and approved by TCP Department as the functioning of the TCP Department itself is under scanner.

15. Action on illegal encroachment seen on land owned by this Panchayat on Ribandar side next to the Divar-Ribandar ferry jetty.

Each of the above points are very important and deserve place on the agenda of Gram Sabha. Avoiding to hold Gram Sabha disrespecting hundreds of signatories indicate ulterior motives of the Sarpanch and other members supporting him including those from RSS.

People of Divar must take charge of the destiny of our beautiful island and not allow Mario Pinto and his minions to take islanders hostages with throttled voices. They must note that the day people will rise up their status will be powerless. Time to assert is now! Stranglehold of the nasty ones deserves to be shattered asunder now! We have nothing to lose except our misery and years! How long single Pinto to dominate Divar? How long he is to insult the islanders?

All roads leads to Moira! See the Traditional House before its wiped off!

This is the house in Maroon and yellow with white cross exalted high above is must place to visit to get glimpse of it before it gets wiped away from the land of Moira. 

Teacher Julia D'souza, 78 is going through sleepless moments contemplating prospects of life when her house and home is placed under Delhi and Haryana real estate threats. She is at her house and used to feel at home. This changed all of sudden when Delhi capital found its way in Moira to mess things up for her and her family.

The house is located at Sataporio, Moira and  Delhi real estate agents has already started cutting down the trees she held dear. To make matters worse she realized that portion of the sold land has her house wall as boundary and half the house can be pulled down any moment.

There is some kind of Trinity of unholy nature that has combined on record to buy off the 675 square meters of land constituting survey no. 154/7. Julia worried about the fate of her house where in she has invested so much of her finances to repair the roof, and importantly her emotions.

Julia filed complaint before Village Panchayat of Moira on 02 September 2024 calling for urgent site inpection addressing the letter to Sarpanch/Secretary. In her complaint she called for immidiate site inspection and make provisions for adequate safeguards for her house. So far Moira Panchayat has given her a deaf ear fortnight. This raised an element of doubt on Moira Panchayat whether it cares more for Delhi real-estate lobby all out to buy Goa off and care-a-dam for local people of Moira like that of Teacher Julia. Perhaps there is adequate palm greesing of the officials to facilitate blind eye to complaint raised by senior citizens like Teacher Julia. 

Additionally Teacher Julia has her 86 year old husband Joaquim C. D'souza to care for in the house in addition to her cat and fowls. Life has been tough for this lady who was active in consumer movement in Goa till recently. 

Though there is cross inscribed on top of her house local Church in Moira has been silent spectator and perhaps would even be delighted to see one arm of the Cross being crushed when machines puts its Jaws. House has been blessed by priests and one who sold as per available records is Sebastian Jeremeios D'souza.

Though Teacher Julia is at her house in Moira yet she no longer feels at home. She feels increasingly alienated and in desperation due to hostile developments around her house. This situation on what she is going through is known as Solastalgia - house no longer a home due to changes outside. She feels helpless as Aldona MLA Carlos Fereira in accessible inspite of contacting his office staff past several days. 

She has overwhelming sorrow and eyes full of tears to greet anyone visiting her house that once upon a time was a joyous home with her two Children. 

While law in place is in all support to Haryana/Delhi Trinity consisting of Amrit Mohinder Uttam, Naresh Paul and Arjun Manga who claims to hold Power of Attorney for Amrit Mahinder Uttam.

The Trinity is allowed by Moira Panchayat to construct housing project with swimming Pool.

All this 'development' has caused deep upheaval in the life of Teacher Julia D'souza. This post is an effort to listen to her side of story, her life narrative as a native from Goa versus the cunning real estate agents from Delhi and Haryana. She needs care, she needs empathy, she needs someone to listen to her story: amplify. So far she has received shocks and arrogance that is rude.

This post is meant to facilitate this process. Process of reclaiming what Goa is through listening, through communicating and most importantly to restore sanity and Tranquillity. 

The mode of development that Goa currently follows is colonial. Outright sale. Merchandise. Goa's latest coloniality can be dated back to 18 December 1961 when USSR exercised veto power at UN security council legitimizing Indian occupation of Goa in violation of International law. Subsequently coloniality strengthen its hold. Now what's happening in the life of Teacher Julia D'souza is strangulation through coloniality. We have arrived to this state through the hard work put in to brainwash people of Goa that we achieved liberation on 19 December 1961.

If 1961 was a liberation than there would have been no tears in the eyes of Teacher Julia D'souza. Something sinister happened then and we are harvesting its fruits. Tree can be known by its fruits. If 1961 was a liberation of Goa in true sense then there would have been no tears in the eyes of Teacher Julia D'souza in 2024, there would have been no sorrow in her heart. No way Uttam, Paul and Manga, and others like them would have been able to play havoc with Moira and rest of Goa.

Looking at the situation at hand it is suspected that neither Goa State Assembly nor Panchayat are existing to defend her. If these institutions cannot defend her, cannot heal her, cannot restore her lost dignity then for what purpose then need to exist? Isn't it ready proof of coloniality in action?

Interrogating Justin de Santa Cruz Konkani song on Archt. Elsa Fernandes

Two days ago Justin de Santa Cruz uploaded his newly composed Konkani song "Soth tem Soth" on Archt. Elsa Fernandes. There are few things in this song that are offensive to Archt. Elsa Fernandes, her integrity and reputation. Infact they are dehumanizing to the core. He not only sang threatening life of Archt. Elsa Fernandes but crosses several more boundaries. His song is a collage of personal allegations against her as well as her family members. Her principled stand in defence of ecology has been re-interpreted as hurdle for development. 'Soth tem soth' which means Truth is Truth is a talented Public Relations work - if not mercenary mission - for Santa Cruz Panchayat that has launched tirade against Archt. Elsa Fernandes in multiple ways from February 26, 2023 Gram Sabha nine questions. The strategy seems to be to demonstrate mass dissatisfaction against the very presence of an individual : Archt. Elsa Fernandes at Panchayat Gram Sabhas. This is some kind of prejudice that Santa Cruz Panchayat members are harboring and it got spilled out in Justin de Santa Cruz YouTube song wherein Archt. Elsa Fernandes is referred to as 'Khapullem' which means Negro. People with black complexion are referred to as Negros. Justin de Santa Cruz has forgotten the phrase "Black is Beautiful!" Archt. Elsa had no choice on colour of her skin. It is part of her genetic information. Justin has launched attack on genes of Arct. Elsa Fernandes because of her skin colour. This is prejudice so deep. Justin de Santa Cruz has launched racist attack against Archt. Elsa Fernandes that is violation of her Fundamental Right under Article 14 of the Constitution of India that prohibits race as the basis of discrimination. Justin de Santa Cruz is liable to be criminally as well as civilly charged under various laws in force and can earn him jail sentence should Archt. Elsa decides to act. It is violation of her dignity as a human and as woman and case needs to be lodged. It is also an offence under Information Technology Act to promote racism by use of Internet. And even if she doesn't act the onus is upon People of Goa to condemn this racist stereotyping.

Justin de Santa Cruz has accused Archt. Elsa of taking bribes and allowing filling up of paddy fields and salt pans in Merces village. This is an attack on her reputation that attracts criminal as well as civil defamation against Justin de Santa Scruz. 

Archt. Elsa Fernandes had no authority in past or present either to allow or disallow any such activities in her neighboring village of Merces. Why didn't Justin de Santa Cruz block those paddy fields and salt pans in Merces from getting filled up? Who had stopped him? Perhaps Justin might not even be aware that video clips he has included in his video in this regard are of Merces Panchayat Jurisdiction.

Justin de Santa Cruz has defended illegal compound walls in the village without considering planning ethics. Then goes about launching allegations against her brother with use of another racist word 'ghati'.

He goes further in his five minutes video and sings glories to construction of Panchayat Ghar in Khazan land. So according to him the destruction of Goa's khazan lands are desirable! Justin de Santa Cruz has to re-asses his position on Khazan land as CZMP approved by Central Government has demarcated that land as Khazan land even though some builders might have purchased the land to put up their constructions projects in Khazans.

Justin de Santa Cruz trumpets that Archt. Elsa Fernandes is removed as convenor of Village Development Committee (VDC) even though Santa Cruz Panchayat website continues to list Elsa Fernandes as the Convenor of VDC as of on April 05, 2023. It appears that Justin de Santa Cruz hasn't checked his facts before composing his song and got himself in rot under influence from some quarters best known to him. Hope he know to swim in troubled waters he has jumped into before commenting upon Archt. Elsa's swimming skills.

Overall Justin de Santa Cruz is an ugly specimen of worst available racist, male chauvinistic,  deteriorated and degraded bundle of values peddled as art form: Cantar. This is tragic for the reason that Calapur is historically known aa high standard art village. Village now is sought to be ripped apart for a massive urban prowl. 

Yet the song is not just about Santa Cruz. Its call for an aggression against all those people all over over Goa who stand up to the oppresive system and share values that Archt. Elsa Fernandes shares. In other words Justin de Santa Cruz gives out the message to eliminate those standing up to defend Goa's Ecology: Khazan, Forests, Rivers, Coast, Paddy Fields. This is not acceptable as it amounts to erasure of what the green, ecologically frail Goa we know and cherish.

Song is interspersed with photo of Santa Cruz Sarpanch and interviews with Panchayat officials that gives an impression that Panchayat is behind this nasty video against Archt. Elsa Fernandes.

From where do Justin de Santa Cruz got all these destructive ideas? Such ideas are demonic in character and there is a need to investigate and find out as to where he has been frequenting to sing his aggression heading towards deadly disaster. 

There is a need to investigate as to who planted flags of rebellion against Archt. Elsa Fernandes in his mind, for those responsible to encourage and finance him are equally responsible and must be identified and tried criminally.

Justin de Santa Cruz is just in the massive rot. And he is not Just. He is an epitome of unparalleled prejudiced creature. He is in need of exorcism to get himself sober and vommit out all the evil in his thoughts and heart.

Archt. Elsa Fernandes strong message to People of Goa!

Dear All you strong and beautiful people of Goa,

Past more than a month my life was turned upside down by the powers in Santa Cruz Panchayat 

and last couple of days I had to go through attendance at the Old Goa Police station for inquiry into a Police complaint on me as part of the misuse of powers in my Santa Cruz village through coercion by the elected members

I have received unparalleled support across many people of Goa for standing for the rights of simple villagers in the Gram Sabha which reflects the state of our grass root democracy. If Goa grass root panchayat democracy is strong and resilient than Goa is strong and many of you have shown your presence and support to showcase issues connected with this Grass root democracy. 

There are many things which are going wrong and if we all work together to correct that than we will play a big role to save a lot for our future Generations. The issues faced by me in my Gram Sabha are a reflection of many issues needing attention and corrections across many panchayats. A vibrant democracy, an informed representation, a transparent and accountable governance reflects well being in everyone's lives and all of us want this including our adversaries if any.

On that note and for giving your time for this cause through your support in helping me pass through a lot of stressful times due to personal vendetta, I am whole heartedly grateful to each one of you, and I sincerely appreciate each one of you as a pillar in the Grass root democracy of Goa. Together we can make a big difference

DEV BOREM KORUM, 🙏🙏🙏 💚💚💚 

💚GOA💚

Elsa Fernandes

Enviromental Architect

It proved frivolous complaint against Archt. Elsa Fernandes!

Today April 06, 2023 Archt. Elsa Fernandes was called to the Old Goa Police Station on second consecutive day for the inquiry on complaint filed by 54 people from Santa Cruz Village in Goa. 

Archt. Elsa Fernandes reached Old Goa Police station along with her lawyer at 10.00 am. Police Inspector Satish V. Padvalkar was present in his office. He informed that he has called first five of the fifty-four complainants for the inquiry as well. Their group of accompanied by the Santa Cruz Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary arrived at the Police Station - half an hour late - at 10.30 am. They were totally nine.

There were around 20 supporters of Archt. Elsa Fernandes outside the police station carrying placards saying "Truth - I support Elsa". Press was also present.

Inquiry started immediately at 10.30 am and lasted for 45 minutes. Arch. Elsa joined the proceedings along with her lawyer. After the conclusion of inquiry it was revealed by the Archt. Elsa Fernandes and her lawyer Adv. Melissa Simoes that inquiry was conducted by PI Padvalkar to ascertain whether there was any instance of law and order situation created by Archt. Elsa Fernandes at the Santa Cruz Gram Sabha on February 26, 2023. 

Complainants along with the Panchayat officials tried to impress the Police Inspector that questions raised by Archt. Elsa Fernandes in her application Constituted law and order breach. This submission was rejected by Police Inspector and counseled the Panchayat officials and complainant that Archt. Elsa Fernandes has right to ask questions and Panchayat officials and complainants should not be upset over this. As there was no evidence found during inquiry of any law and order breach during the February 26, 2023 he closed the investigations against Archt. Elsa Fernandes with a decision to communicate the same to Block Development Officer (BDO) of Tiswadi Taluka.

Complaint against Archt. Elsa Fernandes thus proved to be frivolous one that was meant to waste precious time of the Police as well as Archt. Elsa Fernandes, wicked act of the mastermind of the letter that took 54 residents of Santa Cruz for a demonic ride. Further it was found after examinination of the minutes of February 26, 2023 Gram Sabha that out of 54 signatories to the complaint 33 did not attend the Said Gram Sabha. Purpose of the complaint was to create mental pressure on Archt. Elsa but it got backfired.

In the meanwhile Justin de Santa Cruz has released defamatory konkani Cantar against Archt. Elsa Fernandes online at YouTube at this link. This song has been termed as abuse of talent by Archt. Elsa Fernandes. This abuse can take place when artist has wicked leaning s towards political masters. More investigations is needed on this to understand further implications of this YouTube intervention. This is a challenge not just for Archt. Elsa Fernandes but the people of Goa and beyond. We shall overcome!

From the Old Goa Police Station on Archt. Elsa Fernandes inquiry

Old Goa Police Station Police Inspector had called Architect Elsa Fernandes today April 05, 2023 for the inquiry regarding complaint filed against her by 54 people from Santa Cruz Village on 20th March 2023. She was called at 10.30 am but Police Inspector went away from the Police Station at 10.28 am and returned back only at 12.10 pm.

Archt. Elsa Fernandes reached to the Old Goa Police Station at 10.30 am to find that Police Inspector was missing from the office. She was accompanied by around 40 people from various parts of Goa in the spirit of solidarity in a fight to rescue sanity in democracy currently in coma state at Santa Cruz Panchayat.

There were some attempts to distract her but she did not loose focus of the task at hand and went about with diligence  as a mark of her efficient functioning. First she gave entry of her letter to Superitendent of Police (SP) of North Goa in Porvorim amidst heavy traffic Jam on her way from Santa Cruz to Porvorim. Then she came to Old Goa defeating wayside distractions.

There at the Old Goa Police Station she gave entry of her letter to Police Inspector of Old Goa explaining facts about the contentions of February 26, 2023 Gram Sabha of Santa Cruz Panchayat.

After 90 minutes wait at the Old Goa Police Station she gave another letter inward putting on record the fact that she came to the Police Station in response to the call letter served on her. Since Police Inspector is not available she is dispersing at 12.00 noon. After this letter was entered in Police records Inspector reached Police Station at 12.10 pm. Many people had dispersed and was about to leave the premises. Some returned back after Police Inspector came to his office.

At 12.15 pm Elsa entered the the cabin of Police Inspector Padvalkar with all her supporters and media. Police Inspector however requested everyone to leave his cabin except Archt. Elsa Fernandes, her lawyer and two more people.

Reports of the negotiations indicate that Police Inspector is inclined towards compromising this matter and has called five of the 54 signatories to the Police Station again  tomorrow April 06, 2023 at 10.00 am for a joint meeting with Archt. Elsa Fernandes.

Archt. Elsa Fernandes assisted by her lawyer has asked for uncut, unedited file of the video recording of the February 26, 2023 Santa Cruz Gram Sabha to ascertain the truth as to what exactly went through at the Gram Sabha. Further details are awaited.

Why did Goltim-Navelim Sarpanch Mario Pinto bluffed on Tourist Villages Development Scheme?

Goltim-Navelim is one of the two Panchayats in beautiful island of Divar in Mandovi River. The other Panchayat is Sao Mathias Panchayat. Due to mesmerizing beauty of the island tourism related interests are attempting to take over foothold on the island in various ways. Some houses on the island are sold off. Some land has been sold off. Roads are being built on the borders under the pretext of bund repairs. Tourism activities are being carried on on the island its North-western banks with official permission for Cage fishing. 

The latest concern to strike the islands of Divar (Goltim-Navelim Panchayat), St. Estevam and Chorao is tailor made scheme for the intrusion on these islands: Goa Tourist Villages Development Scheme 2021. These three Panchayats were sent invitation letter to participate in attending the meeting at Tourism Department even before the scheme was officially notified on official  Gazzette. And this is what points towards sinister intentions and the role of Mario Pinto.

The then Director of Tourism Menino D'souza addressed joint letter to the above referenced three Panchayats of Chodan/Chorao, Goltim-Navelim and St. Estevam on September 14, 2021. The subject header of the letter reads " Tourists Villages Development Scheme 2021". The letter to the three Sarpanchas is an invitation for a meeting to promote tourist village Development scheme to be held at Paryatan Bhavan on September 17, 2021 at 3.30 pm.

A day prior to the above schedule meeting Goa Official Gazzette notified the Tourist Village Development Scheme 2021 on September 16, 2021 in series I No. 25.

Attendance sheet of the September 17, 2021 meeting procured under RTI provides names, designations and signatures of those who attended this meeting as under:

1. Joanita D'costa, Sarpanch, St. Estevam 

2. Shirishkumar Tari, Secretary, VP St. Estevam

3.  Tukaram J. Naik, Secretary, VP Goltim-Navelim 

4. Ameez Baig, Experience Manager, Blive 

5. Siddharth Nagarcekar, General Manager (Operations), Blive

6. Mario Pinto, Sarpanch, VP Goltim-Navelim 

7. Ramesh Kundoikar, Panch, Goltim-Navelim 

It must be noted that Mario Pinto has signed the attendance sheet at serial no.6 of this meeting in his capacity as Sarpanch, Goltim-Navelim. Investigation has clarified that he did not consult the villagers of Divar and went about taking unilateral desicions keeping Gram Sabha in dark.

October 30, 2022 Gram Sabha of Goltim-Navelim Panchayat objected implementation of "Tourist Villages Development Scheme 2021" in the village.

On January 22, 2023 Times of India (https://m.timesofindia.com/city/goa/5-pyats-apply-for-tourist-village-devpt-scheme/amp_articleshow/97183929.cms) included Goltim-Navelim Panchayat as amongst five Villages in Goa that has applied for implementation of Tourist Villages Development Scheme 2021 within their Jurisdiction. This was shocking information and the role of Mario Pinto the Sarpanch came under scanner for his undue favoritism to tourism lobby bypassing village interests.

In February village Panchayat announced its Gram Sabha meeting for Sunday, February 12, 2023 and called for points to be part of the agenda. One of the residents Roque Menezes wrote to the Sarpanch on this issue and gave inward on February 04, 2023 with contents as under:

"My point is once again on the "Jetties Policy of the Tourism Department" which was discussed in the Panchayat at the last Gram Sabha. Once again we reiterate, this policy introduced by the Govt will completely wipe out the Coastal  communities of Goa. This is a big threat to our Fishing community at Vitogem as such we the residents would like to know what initiate the Panchayat has proposed to protect the interest of the Fishing community in our village. And also what is the Panchayat's stand in this regard.

Further to this, once again .. I wish to know about the "Tourist Villages Development Scheme 2021" initiated by Department of Tourism. In this regard what has been the stand of the Panchayat body ?? What is the benefit of this Scheme to the village communities, people of our village, and the village as a whole, what is the relations between this Scheme and the "Jetties Policy"? What will be the Panchayat's role, what will be the benefit for the Panchayat??? In short, we want this subject be discussed at the Gram Gram Sabha and feedback of the various communities be taken into consideration."

Goltim-Navelim Sarpanch addressed rather unusual letter to Roque Menezes on February 09, 2023 with contents as under:

"That as regards Jetty Policy the Panchayat has sent its objections which were read at the last Gram Sabha meeting held on 30.10.2022 to the Government vide resolution no. 4(1). That therefore the same be taken note of beyond which the Panchayat has no power. As regards your point at serial no. 1 the same is satisfactorily addressed.

As regards point no. 2 pertaining to tourist village development scheme of 2021, it is humbly stated that no such decision has been so far taken in that regard by the Panchayat. "

In view of the above reply it is pertinent to ask few questions:

1. If Panchayat has not taken such decision then why did Mario Pinto attend meeting at the Tourism Department. 

2. If Panchayat has not taken such decision then why Mario Pinto has not countered above cited Times of India report that declared Goltim-Navelim Panchayat has applied for the Tourist Development Scheme 2021 citing Goa Tourism Department as its source?

Objections to the draft Gram Sabha rules

Date: 24^th April 2018

To,

The Director of Panchayats

and Ex-Officio Joint Secretary to the Government of Goa,

3^rd Lift, 3^rd Floor, Junta House,

Panjim, Goa

Subject: Objections to the draft rules concerning Gram Sabha meetings

Sir,

We write to object draft Rules concerning Goa Panchayat Gram Sabha meetings as notified via no.38/DP/TP/ELN/2017/2312 and published in official gazette – Govt of Goa series I No 2 dated 12^th April, 2018 regarding draft further amendment to the Goa Panchayats (Gram Sabha Meetings) Rules, 1996.

We object to one sentence in the substitution of Rule 7 as “No subject shall be discussed in such meetings besides the Agenda as approved by the Gram Sabha”.

We want to let you know that there several people in Goa who does not know to write and for them only way of expression in Gram Sabha is in speaking out their concerns. You cannot make rules like this to stop people from speaking on the spot at Gram Sabhas for it may lead to serious consequences of law and order and accumulation of unexpressed views.

We recommend that Gram Sabha meetings be kept open for discussions under A.O.B (Any Other Business) point.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely

Maggie Silveira

President, Goa State

Rohidas Andrade

Convenor, Bambolim Unit

Sanjay Pereira

Convenor, Cacra Unit

Socorro Braganza

Convenor, Siridao Unit

Sitaram Pereira

Convenor, Odxel Unit

Milind Palkar

Convenor, Nauxim Unit

Anthony Cardozo

Convenor, Curca Unit

Call for Boycott of Panchayat Elections 2017 in Goa

Panchayat elections in Goa are scheduled to be held on June 11, 2017. We observed that Panchayat powers to decide for the village has been taken away by two recent laws. One law is Goa Investment Promotion Act 2014 passed by Goa Government and second law is The National Waterways Act, 2016 of the Central government.

Goa Investment Promotion Act overrides Panchayats and  powers are taken away, and Panchayats have become Powerless in final decision makings etc. Several Panchayat and municipal areas such as Vanxim-Malar (Capao), Bambolim-Nauxim, Sancoale, Amdoi-Sanguem etc are brought under the ambit of Investment Promotion and facilitation Board (IPB) and declared as Investment Promotion Areas (IPA) e.g. Vanxim in order to facilitate massive land grabs by private corporate interests. Powers of decision making are taken away from the local Panchayats and given to the Secretary (Panchayats) who is always an IAS officer appointed to Goa by the Central Government (Delhi). When Panchayats in Goa are ruled from Delhi for the benefit of private corporate through this law then election to the Panchayats in Goa is a façade and must be boycotted till this law is scrapped.

The National Waterways Act, 2016 has taken control over Goa’s six rivers – Sal, Zuari, Mandovi, Mapusa/Moira, Chapora and Cumbharjua to the Inland Waterways Authority of India based in Gurgaon, Haryana. Its package that along with the rivers that pass through several village Panchayats jurisdiction central government rule extends to all the portions of attached village lands by virtue of Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985. The reason is to get funds for dredging of rivers in Goa damaging fishing while benefiting mining, tourism and gambling involved Corporate. Dredging is known to cause ecological damage from NGT study on MPT dredging of Arabian Sea near Vasco. With Goa’s rivers taken over by Central Government will make fishermen livelihood miserable branding them as trespassers by invoking section 35 (j) of Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985. 

Central Governments’ this decision is against common people of Goa and in collaboration with Goa Government. This is total bulldozing of Panchayat rule and elections to Panchayat in presence of this law over Goa are mockery.

Bharat Mukti Morcha therefore calls for boycott of Panchayat Election in Goa till the above two laws are repealed.

Sd/-

Maggie Silveira, President, Goa Unit

Bharat Mukti Morcha condemns Chief Town Planner Puttaraju

It is indeed a great matter of concern to get to know the letter dated 5^th February 2013 addressed to the Director, Directorate of Panchayat sent by Chief Town Planner S.T. Puttaraju that the Gram Sabha stands no value as Chief Town Planner declares on the letter sent to the director of Panchayats stating that Gram Sabha has no power to pass resolutions regarding construction of multi-family dwellings and requesting the Town and Country Planning Department to stop issuing NOCs for multi family buildings.

Under what authority the so called legal experts according to Chief Town Planner Puttaraju declare our very people’s rights at the Gram Sabha to be null and void? Is this called a democracy?

What is the very purpose of the people coming to Gram Sabha? Aren’t they the voters of their very Panchayat and Constituency as well? What is the Puttaraju up to? Is he the destroyer of our beautiful Goa? Is this the way he is going to work as Chief Town Planner for Goa? He is only going to be a hypocrite working in this manner. 

People of Goa, specially mulnivasis are no more fools. We know where to stand for, how to stand for and whom to stand for. This will not be tolerated by the entire Goan mulnivasi people.

Puttaraju has fooled himself and he will not be able to fool any of the mulnivasi people of Goa.

Gram Sabha should and must have the powers to pass the required resolutions as people of that particular Panchayat will know and understand the entire problem and situation arising in that particular village. Puttaraju will only sit in Panjim not knowing the real problems, situations and accuracies people endure in that particular village.

So Gram Sabha has to have full privileged rights to pass meaningful resolutions at the Gram Sabha after every three months. So it is not a big job for Chief Town Planner Puttaraju to receive from each panchayat of Goa resolutions four times a year.

So the Chief Town Planner Puttaraju whoever your legal advisors are - whose names are not disclosed- keep them for yourselves; not for the mulnivasi people of Goa. Mulnivasi People of Goa cannot be fooled any more. Our resolutions in the Gram Sabha are for the good of the people of Goa. We will stand by for our Gram Sabhas in passing the required resolutions. Puttaraju the Chief Town Planner, we want to live by our given rights not only as voters of the Panchayat and the constituency but also as true citizen of Goa, India.

Bharat Mukti Morcha condemns this letter of Chief Town Planner curtailing rights of citizens participating in Gram Sabhas in Goa. This letter is nothing but the agenda of the Bamon Raj that is outlined in the Goa Vision 2035 and road map to achieve it with Parshuram- the enemy of mulnivasi people on the cover of this document that is meant to establish Bamon Raj in camouflaged manner. This letter is fit to go in thrash bin.