Team Herald
MARGAO: In an interesting development on Sunday, the Betalbhatim Village Panchayat passed a resolution to halt the issuance of permission for swimming pools in new construction projects, citing a shortage of water in the area.
However, the proposal was met with opposition from a section of the gram sabha members, who raised concerns over its legal validity.
Sarpanch Anthony Fernandes explained that the proposal was presented and later approved after a group of villagers raised concerns about the water shortage exacerbated by the presence of swimming pools.
"The issue is primarily about the shortage of water in the village, but the panchayat must also consider the legal implications of halting permission for swimming pools," Fernandes stated.
Former Minister and local resident Micky Pacheco weighed in on the matter, arguing that the panchayat has no authority to prevent individuals from constructing swimming pools simply due to water scarcity.
"The panchayat cannot stop anyone from starting a swimming pool based on water shortage alone. If they believe it is necessary, the government would need to amend the relevant laws," Pacheco said.
He further emphasized that business owners have the legal right to build swimming pools if their projects are in compliance with the law.