TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: The controversial issue of construction multi-purpose ground took the centre stage at the Colva gram sabha on Sunday, with the meeting presided by Sarpanch Snowkon Gonsalves resolving to construct the ground on the acquired land opposite the Church.
The decision, however, was strongly objected by activist Judith Almeida and four other members, saying the construction of the ground would result in an environmental disaster.
A large number of villagers, who attended the gram sabha, also adopted a resolution to construct panchayat house, and further resolving that the issue of play ground and construction of panchayat house should not be taken up for discussion in the future.
Sarpanch Snowkon informed that panchayat body was in favour to construct and develop the ground at the acquired land, adding that the Water Resources Department has been asked to submit revised plan showing larger drains for smooth flow of water.
Expressing her objection to construct the playground, Judith Almeida pointed that in 2004 she had raised objection and demanded that the Panchayat seek expert advice before adopting any resolution in favour of the ground.
Almeida claimed that the ground would bring in destruction in the area.
Panchas Calvert Gonsalves and Agnelo Pereira lamented that the proposal of ground has been dragging for years now. They claimed that the ground when constructed would not only benefit the villagers but the students of parish school and college. The Sarpanch claimed that ground will be a reality and will be constructed with all necessary approvals.
The Sarpanch informed gram sabha members that the ban on housing would be lifted once the garbage problem facing the villages is resolved.
