MARGAO: Carmona Panchayat at its meeting on Sunday decided not to renew the trade licence issued to Verda Resort at Olvaddo until such time the management furnishes documents from competent authority authorizing change of use of the premises.

As per the panchayat records Kaiji Real Estate was issued technical clearance and occupancy certificate only to use the premises for residential purpose. However, the previous body did issue a trade licence to the promoters to use it for commercial purpose.

Based on that trade licence, the premises are being used for commercial purpose as a hotel much to the chagrin of the locals who have been complaining of not only noise pollution but also of the big buses moving at a reckless speed posing a safety threat.

Besides, the locals also complain about the residents at the resort urinating in the open which is not only disgusting to see but also a health hazard. In fact, the locals had complained to the panchayat in writing about this and at its meeting held on September 26 it was decided to summon the representatives of the management and locals at the panchayat office and discuss the matter thoroughly with the panchayat.

At the Sunday’s meeting when the matter was taken up for discussion, four members supported the motion that the trade licence should not be renewed till such time the management produces the documents authorizing the change of use from residential to commercial. The four were Sarpanch Winston Dias, Allwyn Jorge, Vailona Fernandes and Sandra Fernandes.

Deputy Sarpanch Savita Mascarenhas and Benicio Carvalho did not support the motion while Josinho Mendes was not present for the meeting.

Savita Mascarenhas clarified that she is opposed to the project being used for commercial purpose because she knows the problems faced by the people being the local representative. “My only objection was that the panchayat body did not conduct the joint meeting that was decided upon,” she said.

Meanwhile, the panchayat also resolved to seek the Education Department’s permission to use part of its property where the government primary school was housed earlier, to construct a children’s park cum play area.