There was also an assurance from the government to complete the Sapu Lake project by the end of April so that they could collect rainwater this year. The deputy sarpanch informed that the wells in Velim and Ambelim had dried up, and loss of coconut and fruit-bearing trees had been reported as the concrete structure had made the water table redundant.
A house-to-house survey had been conducted by the Electricity Department for the purpose of underground cabling and a clarification on the same was sought by Clifton Almeida.
Velim MLA Benjamin Silva stated that due to paucity of funds, the project was not feasible this year, but replacement of electric poles and wires would be carried out.
A committee was formed under the chairmanship of deputy sarpanch Tyronne Fernandes to pursue many projects, like reconstruction of the panchayat ghar and jogging track, with the local comunidade body.
Some members asked what action had been taken against illegal constructions, but there was no reply from the panchayat. Incidentally, this issue has been brought up at every meeting.
It was mentioned that all gram sabha minutes from 2007 to 2012 had not been signed by ex-sarpanch Cruz Silva, who finally signed the same before the start of Sunday’s meet. The members asked the panchayat secretary to be more vigilant on these issues.
