Daijiworld Media Network – Loliem-Polem

Loliem-Polem, Aug 4: In a powerful display of unity, the Gram Sabha of Loliem-Polem on Sunday unanimously rejected the proposed Film City project and 13 other development proposals approved by the local comunidade, citing threats to the village’s ecologically sensitive plateaus.

Just a month after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Goa government and the comunidade for establishing a Film City on Bhagwati plateau, villagers have now categorically opposed the plan along with other proposed ventures including a fruit processing unit, Sainik school, solar power plant, cricket stadium, and wayside amenities.

Three resolutions were passed at the Gram Sabha, directing the village panchayat to inform all project proponents to withdraw their applications, notify senior government and planning officials, and initiate legal steps to enforce the Gram Sabha’s stand.

Environmentalists hailed the move as a milestone in the two-decade-long battle to protect the village’s natural heritage. “This movement began in 2005 with opposition to coastal tourism projects and resurfaced in 2016 when IIT Goa was proposed. Villagers have consistently stood for conservation,” said Dattaprasad Prabhugaonkar.

Over 200 residents attended Sunday’s meeting, which saw overwhelming support for the resolutions, spearheaded by Prabhugaonkar and seconded by Prashant Pagi. Other key contributors included Shailesh Pagi and Om Prabhugaonkar.

The session was chaired by Sarpanch Nisha Chari and attended by Deputy Sarpanch Ashutosh Bandekar, Panchayat Secretary Sandeep S. Desai, and five other members. Notable absentees included former sarpanchs Ajay Lolienkar and Pratiza Bandekar.

“This is a clear message,” said Pagi. “More than 1,100 villagers had already signed a petition opposing the projects. The people have spoken, and we stand united in protecting our land.”