Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 16:46:16 +0530 From: Vidyadhar Gadgil <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Panchayats cannot revoke approved projects: CM > Herald Reporter > PANJIM, MAY 13 ? Literally giving thumbs down to villages opposing mega housing projects, the government today declared that if a project has been given permission after clearing all technical approvals, the panchayat has no authority to revoke the licence and the government will stand by the project. Addressing a press conference, after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat who was also accompanied by Panchayat Minister Babu Azgaonkar stated that if all rules have been followed and there have been no misrepresentations on the project there is no reason for revoking the licence. > Mario responds: > This is a dangerous development and demonstrates the power struggle currently going on in Goa between the haves and the have-nots. Digambar Kamath should now be held responsible for how such ugly projects that are defacing Goa were approved in the first place, with no regard for the history, culture, environment, ambience and architecture of the local areas. > It is the Panchayats and Gram Sabhas that should be in the forefront of approving new projects in their jurisdictions. We have already seen the unfortunate results under the current rules. > This calls for a SEZ-opposing-style agitation to restore respect for the Panchayats and Gram Sabhas that the Chief Minister is dismissing so easily. >
