Goa, Aug. 4 -- The Loliem-Polem Village Panchayat gram sabha on Sunday unanimously rejected all 13 proposals for development projects on the ecologically sensitive plateau lands of Loliem village, marking another decisive victory for villagers who have been fighting to conserve their plateaus since 2005.

Over 200 villagers attended the meeting, which considered 13 new proposals by the Comunidade including eight small-scale industries, solar power plants, GTDC wayside amenities, a Sainik School, a Comunidade building, and a cricket ground. The resolutions were proposed by Dattaprasad Prabhugaonkar and seconded by Prashant Pagi, with all members present opposing the projects.

The rejection continues a long-standing battle by Loliem reside...