The members asked questioned why the gram sabha had been delayed for two-and-a-half months after it was adjourned the last time.
Member Peter Viegas criticised the panchayat for not taking enough action against the scrap yards in the last two months, to which Sarpanch Gabriel Oliveira assured that the same would be removed within three months and that the demands of the dengue-affected villagers would be fulfilled.
The members demanded swift action and said they would follow up the matter with the panchayat.
Viegas also informed that plots in the village are being developed without leaving any open space. Oliveira replied that the issue has to be discussed with the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) and sub-registrar.
When member Freddy Travasso posed a question about the mega projects in the village, Oliveira replied that 12 project files are pending in different courts, and the one in which the Directorate of Panchayats had directed the secretary to issue licences will be challenged in the court.
When Freddy alleged that paddy fields were being filled, the chair replied that an inspection will be carried out. Freddy also informed that the wooden roof of the government school had collapsed during the Ganesh holidays. Oliveira assured to look into the matter.
The issue of air pollution by a Goa carbon factory was also discussed. The chair replied that that the matter will be discussed at a panchayat meeting and action will be taken after consulting with higher authorities.
Three committees – production, social and education and health committees – were also elected at the gram sabha.
There was a small disturbance when a question posed by Salvador Fernandes was rejected by the chair. He said he would write to the DOP about the same.
