Penha-de-Franca gram sabha witnesses noisy scenes over illegal constructions
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
PORVORIM, APRIL 25
The Penha-de-Franca gram sabha on Sunday witnessed noisy scenes over illegal constructions and encroachments on open spaces in the panchayat area.
Raising the issue, Shekhar Vaigankar stated that lot of illegal constructions and encroachments on open spaces have been taking place in the panchayat area. He also sought to know whether the panchayat has granted permission for a bar and restaurant located in Ward No 8.
Panchayat Secretary M S Mardolkar clarified stating that as per their records, no permission has been granted for a bar and restaurant and the owner has been advised to submit the documents, if any, by April 30.
The residents complained that several mobile phone towers have been erected on the rooftops of the buildings and sought to know whether all the towers are illegal.
In his reply, Sarpanch Gopal Sawant clarified that there are altogether seven mobile phone towers in the panchayat area and some of the towers have been erected illegally.
“The panchayat has sent notices to the house owners who have permitted mobile phone companies to erect towers on their houses illegally, demanding explanation from them,” said the sarpanch.
“The towers which are legal are paying the panchayat a sum of Rs 5,000 every year,” added the sarpanch.
Sarpanch Bhiku Sawant further informed that the amount of Rs 5,000 is very small considering the huge rent/fees being paid by the mobile phone companies to the house owners and hence the amount of fees should be increased by the panchayat.
Agnel Pereira said the presence of ward members is very important in the gram sabha. “This has been emphasized in each and every meeting, but it appears that ward members are not serious about the gram sabha,” he added.
Milind Anvekar complained that no action is being taken on the resolutions adopted in the gram sabha and there is no point is taking resolution, if panchayat is not serious about the development of the village. Vrunda Borkar suggested that the road in Walkeshwada-Betim may be widened.
On behalf of the panchayat, Vinod Kumbharjuvekar presented the annual statement of accounts of Income and Expenditure for 2009-10. During financial year 2009-10, the panchayat has received total grant of Rs 50.86 lakh from the government. The panchayat has collected Rs 24.80 lakh by way of taxes and Rs 10.86 lakh by way of construction and other fees.
On the expenditure front, the panchayat has spent Rs 71.50 lakh on public works, Rs 13.04 lakh on administration and Rs 7.72 lakh on sanitation and public health.
“The house tax arrears have mounted to a staggering Rs 49.95 lakh,” Kumbarjuvekar told gram sabha members.
The gram sabha was held in the premises of Vidhya Prabodhini High School.
Earlier, Sarpanch Gopal Sawant welcomed the gathering, while Panchayat Secretary M S Mardolkar read the minutes of the gram sabha held in January.
