MARGAO: The Betalbatim gram sabha overwhelmingly objected to approval of a mega hotel project by the panchayat body without first presenting it in the gram sabha meeting.
The gram sabha had previously taken a resolution not to approve any mega project unless it is passed in the gram sabha. It was also revealed that the inspection of the site was done without the presence of the ward member.
The gram sabha resolved to reject the project after six of the seven panchayat members stated that they are against the project.
The gram sabha also witnessed uproar over illegal structures belonging to one Silvester Miranda on agriculture land. The Sarpanch tried to cover up the issue stating that he conducted a surprise inspection, but there was no one living at the site during the time of the inspection. However villagers claimed that migrants are living in the structures for rent and rejected the claim of the sarpanch.
The issue of rising sea level and erosion of the beach was also discussed. Samson Cotta suggested extending the sea wall. “If we don’t do anything in 10-15 years, the sea will enter the properties along the shore,” he said.
He also questioned the steps taken by the panchayat for water harvesting in the village. “Selaulim is providing water; but if the dam goes dry, we will have to depend on village water sources,” he said.
Villagers demanded that the cultivation of fields have to be encouraged. They advised that the panchayat not to depend on WRD to rebuild the bandhs. Gram sabha member Dinar Baros suggested that water harvesting projects be taken up starting with the schools where roof top harvesting can be implemented.
The panchayat raised the issues of a trench dug along the road near Alila Diwa hotel by Reliance Jio that has remained open and is posing a risk to motorists. The villagers informed that the PWD has not repaired the road and that many people have fallen on the road but no one is interested.
On a question regarding the proposed renovation of the fish market, the sarpanch informed that there was no follow-up from the fisheries ministry for development of the market for last two years. He said that the proposal was sent to the fisheries ministry based on a letter from the department to the panchayat.
