Mumbai, Sept. 30 -- In an attempt to protect their land from 'outsiders', the gram panchayat of Morvane village in Konkan passed a resolution, 'village land for villagers' on September 14, which says that land in the village can be sold only to another resident of the village. However, a senior lawyer pointed out the local body does not have the authority to pass such a resolution under any law. Morvane, a village in the Chiplun taluka of Ratnagiri district in Konkan, located near the Vashishti river, is surrounded by lush forests and hills. The scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and low land prices have attracted 'outsiders' leaving several villagers worried about the future of their surroundings. In a gram sabha meeting held on September 14, villagers complained that several people from nearby districts and states have purchased large pieces of land in Konkan. Following their complaints, the gram panchayat passed a unanimous resolution stating that henceforth land in the village will not be sold to outsiders. Village sarpanch Sanchita Jadhav said the step was necessary to protect water sources and forests, and ensure future generations of Morvane families have enough land to live and farm. The resolution adds that if any family is forced to sell its land, it should only be sold to another resident of the village. Along with the threat to the environment, villagers were also concerned that 'outsiders' would harm the area's social fabric. Dilip Chavan, a resident, said "We have a strong bond among us. When outsiders buy land, the first thing they do is put up fences. This blocks traditional paths and even troubles our cattle." Chavan added, "If this continues, the younger generation will be left with neither farmland nor space to build homes." Having land to return to can also provide a sense of security, Jadhav said. "During the pandemic, we saw many city people return to their villages and survive because they had their own land. Even if there is no money, land provides food security," Jhadav explained. However, the gram panchayat does not have the authority to pass such a resolution under any law, said Domic Braganza, a lawyer with over three decades of experience in land matters. "This is similar to a housing society deciding not to sell a flat to a particular community or person. Several high court judgments have struck down such decisions Likewise, the gram sabha's decision has no legal standing," he explained. Chavan admitted the resolution may not have a legal basis, but said, they would collectively try to make sure that land is sold only to people from the village, or a nearby village....