Residents from coastal villages in Goa joined environmental activists on Monday. They formally requested the state's environment department to extend the January 20 deadline. This deadline is for submitting public suggestions on the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for 2019.
Community Calls for Adequate Time
Abhijeet Prabhudesai, a member of the welfare group Citizen of Coastal Community, explained the urgency. He stated that at least 100 panchayats fall under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). This makes the CZMP 2019 a critically important document for their future.
"We require sufficient time to properly study the detailed maps," Prabhudesai emphasized. "Only then can we provide meaningful and informed inputs."
Accessibility Challenges for Local Communities
He highlighted a significant practical problem. Many fisherfolk, farmers, and other residents cannot easily read or interpret the complex official maps. These communities need direct assistance to understand what the plans mean for their land rights and the actual situation on the ground.
"They need help to grasp their legal rights and the real-world implications," he added, stressing that public consultation must be genuinely inclusive.
Official Clarification on the Process
Sachin Desai, the Director of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, addressed the situation. He clarified that a miscommunication had occurred regarding correspondence from the Block Development Officer (BDO) office.
"The circular was specifically meant for the director of panchayats," Desai said. He assured that the feedback submission process would proceed strictly according to the procedures outlined in the CRZ notification.
The government will issue a formal public notification in newspapers, Desai confirmed. "People will be given plenty of time to review, correct, and add their suggestions to the CZMP maps," he stated.
Reference to Past Consultations
Cruz Silva, the Aam Aadmi Party's MLA from Velim, recalled the process for the previous plan. He noted that the CZMP 2011 received final approval only after extensive consultations. The authorities incorporated suggestions from all affected people at that time.
This historical precedent underscores the current demand for a thorough and unhurried public review period for the updated 2019 draft plan.
