TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim Deputy Sarpanch Baylon Gomes has accused the State government of depriving the villages of basic developmental works over the last three years.
In a press release, Gomes stated that the jurisdiction of Cansaulim Panchayat has been deprived of basic developmental works for the last three years. “After the demise of Matanhy, eight of the nine panchas were elected for the first time and were assured by the BJP that the government will back them for all developmental works.”
“Being a BJP-backed panchayat, there has been no assistance even after the panchayat made various representations with all required resolutions to the MLA, panchayat minister and the chief minister,” states the press note.
Gomes stated that routine maintenance works like bush cutting and pre-monsoon cleaning of drains along the MDR have not been done for the last 2 years, while self-sustainable waste management plan for the entire village with suitable land supported by the Act was presented to all department concerned in September 2012, but has not been considered.
“Conversion of paddy fields and low-lying areas continue, which was a priority to Matanhy, pedestrian crossover at Cansaulim railway station which is a need of the hour is pending, while dangerous damaged electricity poles standing on the road have not been replaced nor shifted.”
“Rainwater harvesting water bodies like lakes, ponds have not been de-silted nor restored by the water resource department, drains/pavers and cross drains proposed and estimated by PWD have also not been approved.”
Gomes further stated that the master plan for the village including all developmental works approved by Matanhy has been ignored. “Beach area to be protected for locals as the entire beach belt is purchased for resorts was proposed, but not considered. Road for farmers for cultivation of over 10 lakh sq mts of land was proposed on an urgent basis has not been approved.”
“We wish to remind the MLA and the chief minister, who promised to fulfill Matanhy’s dreams that 3 years are almost over and our proposals are not even in the pipeline, to help our village change for the better,” stated the press note.
Cortalim correspondent adds: The Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim gram sabha unanimously resolved to oppose the proposed 5-star hotel in Arossim which comes under CRZ III zone of the village.
Highlighting the ills which the Arossim villagers have already been experiencing from the two existing resorts, Anthony Silva explained the hazards which the villages have been exposed too, be it the sewage let in the fields, crimes or other ills.
Lending his support, Dr Marconi Corriea reminded the panchayat that if they (panchayat) was united then everything would be handled in an efficient manner and gave an instance of a similar project at Cuelim, where the promoters were forced to abandon the project, thanks to sustained support from late Matanhy Saldanha and late Nelson Fernandes.
The gram sabha also criticised the Cortalim ZP member for laying cement pavers in the open area belonging to St Thomas Church and St Thomas School, thereby depriving the students of recreational space and also exposing them to risks of injuries on the cement flooring.
The gram sabha also decided to write to the authorities for a probe as to how the ZP funds could be utilised on projects without informing the panchayat concerned under Section 65 of Goa Panchayati Raj Act.
The gram sabha also called for an inquiry on a private road allegedly built in St Thomas Church property at Baga without the panchayat NOC and in violation of CRZ rules and also expressed its opposition to the diversion of road at St Thomas Church.
Earlier, the gram sabha reaffirmed its earlier stand that the internal roads width should not exceed 5 metres. Ashley Fernandes and Sheila Gracias reminded the panchayat that the decision of the gram sabha was final in this regard.
Sarpanch Josita Cardozo explained the panchayat plans for a garbage-free panchayat. Cardozo said Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha had given her support to the panchayat to tackle the garbage menace and informed that there would be ward wise meetings by Dr Suraj Kanekar who would guide the villagers to tackle the garbage.
A gram sabha member, Tony Fernandes, suggested that the panchayat levy garbage tax on the villagers instead of utilising the panchayat funds, a decision which found favour with the residents. Arsenio D’Silva also took part in the discussion.
