The resolution opposing a port at Betul was proposed by Clifton Almeida and seconded by Bonfiol D’Cruz. Gram sabha members pointed out that the infrastructure, especially roads, between Ambelim and Agonda was weak, which coupled with the resumption of mining is causing pollution and destroying water bodies between the two villages.
The reason for passing the second resolution was that commercial housing and shop structures were turning the village into a concrete jungle and destroying its pristine beauty and environment
It was pointed out that the lease agreement for commercial shops does not contain a clause on the legal action to be taken in case of default in payment. This has resulted in several people defaulting rent payments for the past four years; the pending dues have risen to more than Rs 6 lakh.
Members also pointed that there was little or no progress on premixing of roads, sapu tollem project, replacement of old electricity poles and wires, registration of tenants and immigrants, closure of open toilets, recovery of dues from defaulting of commercial establishments, action against illegal construction, reconstruction of panchayat ghar and children’s park with written reminders being submitted for the past four and half years.
A biodiversity committee was appointed during the gram sabha and the first meeting will be held shortly. The village development committee met for the first time in June and development of works were discussed.
