VASCO: Calling the Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim panchayat as “the most irresponsible panchayat” in Goa, RDA Minister and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha has said that even though the grounded pontoon was causing destruction at Arossim beach, the panchayat had not taken any interest to find out more about the vessel and its salvage operations.
“The CAC panchayat is the most irresponsible panchayat in Goa. First of all, the panchayat was responsible for issuing an NOC for a beach wedding without finding out how the wedding would be held and what amenities would be used. Secondly, even after the pontoon ran aground, except for two panchas, the panchayat never took any interest or even turned up at the beach to find out the quantum of destruction done by the pontoon,” said Saldanha.
She continued, “It was the prime duty of the sarpanch to take action, but I believe that she went on leave as if she has been relieved of the responsibility.”
Regarding the operation to pull the pontoon towards the higher side of the beach, Saldanha said, “I visited the site today and saw that the pontoon has been moved towards the shore by 15-20 meters. They (Arihant workers) need to pull it another 15 meters, and as informed by the staff present, they will pull the pontoon during high tide at night, and hopefully it will be pulled completely and then cut.”
