TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Loutolim gram sabha witnessed commotion on Sunday over the controversial issue of land acquisition when the meeting was abruptly concluded by Sarpanch Maria Monteiro after members from sarpanch’s Devotti ward raised a hue and cry over the issue.
As villagers claimed that the proposed land acquisition for road widening was moved by the husband of the sarpanch, who is a builder with vested interest during the last gram sabha, Sarpanch Maria tried to justify her stand, claiming that she did give opportunity to gram sabha members to express their views and grievances, a claim refuted by Soccorina Gomes.
Uproar was witnessed with gram sabha members rushing to the chair and questioning the sarpanch for disallowing Gomes from expressing her grievances. A large number of members from the ward represented by the Sarpanch attended the meeting, demanding to know what action was taken on the resolution passed by last gram sabha to acquire land for broadening the road in Devotti ward.
The Sarpanch, however, decline to allow any discussion on the subject quoting Section 6(5) of Goa Panchayat Raj Act. She claimed that the aggrieved party/parties to the resolution could file appeal before the Director of Panchayats within 30 days of resolution taken and challenge the same even as the ward members demanded clarification on the subject.
Earlier, the sarpanch gave details of the various developmental works proposed to be taken by the panchayat while deputy sarpanch Mario Cruz proposed to take up development of open spaces in his ward, construct two bus stops and put up signages.
Concern of field in village kept without being cultivated was raised by Allan Faleiro.
while Dr Jubilio Baptista pointed that fields had not been cultivated as there was need to desilt the nulla existing which helps in irrigating to which the sarpoanch informed that the panchyat had proposed the work on the same.
