TEAM HERALD
PONDA: The Bethora-Kodar-Nirankal gram sabha on Sunday decided to file a complaint before the Lokayukta to inquire how and who gave permissions to several scrap yards in the panchayat jurisdiction.
The issue of scrap yards came up for discussion when Sarpanch Poonam Samant told villagers that permissions were not given by the present panchayat and that she is unaware who and how permissions were granted.
One of the sarpanchas from the last term, who was present during the gram sabha, denied having issued permissions.
The villagers demanded that an inquiry should be conducted and it would be wise to refer the matter to Goa Lokayukta. A resolution was passed unanimously.
According to information, there are about 13 scrap yards in the panchayat jurisdiction.
Resolution was also passed to construct Sanskrutik Bhavans at Nirankal and Bethora.
Sarpanch Samant said land will be identified for the purpose and these centres will have learning facilities like theatre, dance and cultural activities.
The villagers also opposed Ponda Municipal Council’s (PMC) plans to reuse council’s old abandoned garbage site at Bond-Baag, which is on the boundary of PMC and Bethora-Kodar-Nirankal Panchayat.
Bond-Baag comes under the panchayat jurisdiction and PMC recently cleared tonnes of waste from the site to set up Organic Waste Convertors (OWC) to treat garbage.
However, Councillor Nidhi Mamlekar who represents the ward adjoining to Bond-Baag had opposed PMC’s plans citing health and environmental issues.
A technical team from PMC accompanied by Councillor Venkatesh Naik was present at the gram sabha to explain how the OWC works.
“I guarantee that there won’t be any problem. The garbage is treated scientifically in the OWC and is environment friendly. OWCs are already in operation, one in my ward, another near the municipality and three at the Ponda market. We can even lift garbage from the panchayat to some extent,” informed Naik.
However, this did not satisfy the residents from Bond-Baag and opposed PMC’s idea to reuse the site at Bond-Baag. Later, it was decided to convene a special meeting for the residents of Bond-Baag area to discuss the issue.
