Team Herald 

MAPUSA: The issues of water scarcity and hawkers menace were hotly debated at the Arambol gram sabha on Sunday.

Angry that the issue of hawkers menace has remained unresolved for many years, locals alleged that hawkers were doing business on the beach with the blessings of police, who take bribe to ignore the menace. 

On the water shortage issue, the villagers complained the areas where there is water shortage, PWD supplies water by tankers, however, only to a specific group of people. Therefore, the villagers demanded action against those responsible for this discrimination.  

Meanwhile, the gram sabha opposed to the circular of Directorate of Panchayats directing that that the villagers should restrict to discussing only the agenda decided for the gram sabha. “Many people don’t get an opportunity to place their grievances in writing before the gram sabha. If panchayats discuss only the fixed agenda, then, many people will not be able to raise their issues in the village meeting,” said a villager.

The gram sabha also objected to widening of roads under the guise of beautification.