The Ambelim village panchayat gram sabha unanimously passed two resolutions opposing the Defexpo and scrapping of Regional Plan 2021. The proposals were proposed by Clifton Almeida and seconded by Bonfilo D`Cruz.
The meeting also discussed a wide range of issues affecting the development of the village where the pancahyat was questioned on various fronts. The Velim MLA, Benjamin Silva also attended the meeting and answered all queries of the members.
On the Defense Expo, villagers raised concerns about heavy vehicles transporting heavy equipment to Betul that will lead to further deterioration of Ambelim`s roads and fragile infrastructure.
On the regional plan, villagers pointed out that it had innumerable flaws and shortcomings especially the internal roads being shown as 10meters wide, a fact opposed by all. The progress of development of the Saputollem (natural lake) and subsequent supply of potable water to the villagers was asked for. The reply was it would take 2 months more.
Some members complained that their wells have gone dry due to the delay in completion wherein water has not been captured in the lake. The delay in holding the first village development committee meeting was questioned. It was suggested that the panchayat tables the proposed budget plan for discussions at the meeting before the end of the financial year in order to get it approved by next meeting leading to timely release of funds for development from April. The secretary assured to hold a meeting at the earliest to discuss budget proposals. Members complained about the poor recovery of commercial rentals with one defaulter owing more than Rs 2 lakh. Migrant registration, collection of one month`s rental fee from owners of tenements, stray cattle & dogs and garbage problems have been discussed at every meeting and villagers lamented that no progress can be seen. Members have repeatedly asked for action to be taken against alleged illegal filling of agricultural land and construction of alleged illegal houses on the same land without any reply from the sarpanch.
