MARGAO: None of the 30 village panchayats in Salcete held a special gram sabha to observe World Environment Day on Tuesday but many of them conducted plastic collection drives while some panchayats had to take up the work of cleaning drains that were flooded due to the showers.
Officials in the Block Development Office pointed out that panchayats have to send a notice of even a special gram sabha to their office and since none of the panchayats had sent the notice it could be inferred that no special gram sabhas were held on Tuesday.
Last week the Director of Panchayats asked all villages to conduct a special gram sabha to celebrate World Environment Day on June 8 but also said that it could be held on any date from June 5 to 15 and most panchayats have taken advantage of this.
Besides, the panchayats were also advised to organise programmes like rallies, drawing or rangoli competition, cleanliness drive or plastic collection drives and tree plantation during the same period.
While Guirdolim panchayat held a plastic collection drive yesterday, neighbouring Chandor Cavorim Panchayat had an informal meeting to observe the day.
The Chinchinim Deussua panchayat conducted a plastic collection along with around 120 school students and cleaned up the market and surrounding areas thoroughly. They were supported by Dr Varun Carvalho who also sang some songs to entertain the gathered crowd.
Tree plantation drives were held as World Environment Day in Navelim and at Nuvem where the Forest Department planted trees behind the Nuvem Cemetery.
