MARGAO: The village panchayat of Chinchinim-Deussua recently met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the Secretariat in Porvorim, presenting a memorandum on several key issues. The topics addressed in the memorandum included the NH 66 bypass at Dandeavaddo, construction plans for the panchayat ghar, Primary Health Centre (PHC) upgradation, resurvey of Durga bundh, power fluctuations, disaster management funds, delayed honorarium payments to panchayat members, and more. Sarpanch Valentino Barretto, accompanied by other panchayat members, handed over the memorandum to the CM, with Velim MLA Cruz Silva also in attendance.
The CM attentively listened to their concerns and assured them that their demands would be reviewed. Regarding the highway expansion, the delegation emphasized that it currently passes through a densely populated residential area. They also referred to a previous memorandum submitted to Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari, advocating for the diversion of NH 66 via a bypass that would not impact residential houses.
Additionally, the delegation addressed the long-pending construction of the panchayat ghar cum multipurpose sports complex. Although all necessary approvals and construction licenses have been obtained, the project has stalled due to the Finance Department’s delay in sanctioning funds of Rs. 23.60 crore.
Regarding the Chinchinim PHC, they listed the number of villages falling within its jurisdiction, including those in Benaulim constituency, and highlighted its inadequacy in meeting present and future healthcare needs. They stressed the requirement for land, infrastructure, and the provision of a 12-bedded hospital with a 24/7 resident doctor.
The delegation urged a resurvey of the Durga bundh, which has been designated as a wetland, as large areas have been incorrectly marked as buffer zones.
Other issues included the development of the Baida football ground, utilization of government agricultural land, financial assistance for village-
level disaster management, and additional funds for maintenance works in the village.
