The pending work at Ambelim lake was discussed at the gram sabha of the village panchayat of Ambelim with the panchayat stating that the water resources department (WRD) should be able to complete the work within a month.
Responding to a question about the ongoing work at the lake, the Ambelim deputy sarpanch said that 75 percent of the work at the site had been completed by the WRD. The deputy sarpanch added that once the WRD completes their work, the PWD would step in and initiate work regarding the installation of sluice gates and other such necessities following which water would be available for domestic use. Velim MLA, Benjamin Silva informed the gram sabha that the delay was on account of a complaint against the project but assured that the pending work would be completed at the earliest.
It may be recalled that in October 2014, the Ambelim gram sabha resolved to allow Sanquilo Tollem project, 10 MLD treatment plant for drinking water for the villages of Ambelim, Assolna and Velim after concerned government engineers gave a detailed presentation at the gram sabha. Engineers from the department clarified to the locals that Phase I of the project will irrigate the fields and the second phase would purify water for drinking. Villagers gave the green signal for the project under the condition that it should be beneficial for irrigation purposes for local farmers. In December 2013, Water Resources Minister, Dayanand Mandrekar laid the foundation stone for the development of the Sapu Tollem at a cost of Rs 4 crore. At that time, he also laid the foundation stone for the proposed water supply scheme costing Rs 25 crore in Ambelim, which is expected to tide over the drinking water problems faced by the villages of Velim and Ambelim.
SIlva had, at the time of the inauguration said that the development of the Sapu Tollem would help the farming community and villagers as well. He had also added that the water from the Tollem can be used for irrigation as well as to meet the drinking water needs of both Velim and Ambelim.
At last Sunday’s gram sabha, there were also discussions about the proposal for reconstruction of the panchayat ghar and several suggestions were made regarding the same. The issue about verification of tenants living in rented premises in Ameblim was also spoken about and the panchayat informed that they had sought details from the police. An RTI has also been filed and they are distributing forms among the villagers to seek further details about the tenants. There were also discussions about constructions in the village and the panchayat had been urged to look into the matter based on the concerns raised by the villagers at the meeting.
