team herald
MARGAO: The gram sabha of Sao Jose de Areal passed a resolution to prohibit development of plots that lack open space as well as space for a transformer and dustbins. The panchayat will also write a letter to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department requesting it not to approve such plots.
The villagers also complained about alleged pollution caused by a carbon factory in the village. They claimed that dust could be seen within a one-kilometre radius of the unit, including at houses and religious structures.
When Sarpanch Gabriel Oliviera stated that the panchayat had written to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) about the issue, the members then questioned why a copy had not been marked to the factory and why the panchayat had not carried out an inspection of the affected areas.
Oliviera replied that the panchayat would hold an inspection within eight days, but the members demanded that it be done immediately after the gram sabha. As per thei demands, an inspection was carried out at the factory roads and gate and church premises.
The gram sabha also discussed the scrapyards in view of the dengue outbreak in the village. The sarpanch replied that a letter had been received from the collectorate and Chief Minister’s office approving the demolition of the scrapyards, which will be done within 15 days.
While discussing the Regional Plan 2021, the villagers was pointed out that industrial zones had been changed to settlement zones on the plan. A resolution was passed to retain industrial zones only for the development of the village and employment for locals.
Member Peter Viegas questioned whether the panchayat has dustbins, garbage-collection vehicles, labourers, a sewerage treatment plant and a garbage disposal site. He demanded that no further development of plots and housing projects be allowed as the village does not have the infrastructure to deal with a large amount of garbage.
The gram sabha also held a remembrance prayer for Fr Bismarque Dias, who had once held three meetings in the village while fighting against illegal activities.
