They also suggested a reward of Rs 500 for those who catch people dumping garbage illegally.
This was the fourth gram sabha that started with irate members questioning the panchayat on a host of issues, including the action-taken report on the mobile towers issue and pending revocation of licences issued to the mobile towers, as discussed at the last gram sabha.
Sarpanch Rubina Rodrigues replied that the panchayat had written to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for guidance, but despite two reminders, GSPCB had not responded. She assured to follow up the matter.
On the issue of illegal garbage dumping, Rubina stated that the panchayat had initiated steps to prevent the same; the latest initiative was to appoint labourers to collect plastic and dry waste from the houses at Alto-Chicalim, Assoi-Dongri and Alto-Dabolim in addition to the door-to-door garbage collection in the panchayat’s jurisdiction.
The gram sabha then resolved that the panchayat impose a fine of Rs 1,000 those who dumped garbage for the first time and Rs 5,000 on repeat offenders, besides a reward for those who catch garbage dumpers.
The gram sabha also discussed the sloping access road for the residents of Deusa, which had been placed by Hilda Dias. Ward member Mary Mascarenhas said that the panchayat will do what it could to decrease the slant.
The members also had a lengthy debate on another road beside the village playground and panchayat ghar. Francis Fernandes reminded the panchayat that the land was acquired for a playground, market complex, community hall and panchayat ghar, and hence, no other project can be taken up on the land. As such, the demand of a few villagers for an access road to their houses cannot be considered.
Charles Fernandes highlighted the need to install nets behind the goalposts on the village playground to prevent the ball from landing on the NH 17A and causing accidents.
