Sarpanch says VP acted as per resolution adopted by gram sabha
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Bowing to the demands of the villagers, Betalbatim panchayat on Friday rejected the housing project of a Delhi-based party on grounds that the same would change the demography of the village with the influx of migrants and non-Goans.
At a special meeting held on Friday morning, the panchayat body unanimously resolved to cancel the three resolutions taken by the panchayat body on July 6. One of the resolutions maintained that the project site could be accessed a three meter- road. However, construction rules mandate minimum six-meter road for a construction of this magnitude.
The panchayat further pointed out that Betalbatim village was facing grave hardships because of the bare amenities such as power, water and other infrastructure. Moreover, it was pointed out that the village is facing the menace of garbage. That’s not all. The panchayat pointed out that a water body close to the site has been partly buried by the real estate developer.
Sarpanch Esperance Fernandes said the panchayat has acted as per the resolution adopted by the gram sabha. “At today’s special meeting, the body has rejected the project of the Delhi-based builder, who had proposed residential units, including apartments, bungalows and villas on three different plots,” she said.
Betalbatim villagers had opposed the housing projects on grounds that the proposed construction of such a nature is not at all conducive to the welfare and the betterment of the village. The villagers had contended that it was the duty of the Town and Country Planning Department to plan the development of any village in a proper and rational manner and not to be destructive in its planning.
Later speaking to media persons, local villager Marcus D’Souza said the villagers will not rest till the project is scrapped from the village. “Resolutions adopted at various gram sabha meetings only show that villagers are opposed to major housing projects. The panchayat should respect the sentiments of the villagers,” he added.
All eyes now on Raheja’s proposal at Carmona
MARGAO: The contentious Raheja property issue figured at the meeting of the Carmona village Panchayat on Friday.
The Panchayat body, however, decided to take up the issue at the next meeting, with members saying that they cannot take any decision based on a letter written to the panchayat without first ascertaining Raheja’s proposal.
Moreover, members pointed out that they did not receive Raheja’s letter addressed to the panchayat before the meeting. The members felt that the panchayat should write to Raheja’s to submit their proposal so that they can discuss the matter at the body meeting before it goes to the gram sabha.
After the meeting, Sarpanch Lavita Dias informed that the Raheja issue will be taken up for discussion at the next meeting. “Members said that they need time to study the issue before discussion takes place on the subject,” she added.
