TEAM HERALD
PORVORIM: The issue of controversial construction of Goa Cricket Academy (GCA) dominated the Penha-de-Franca gram sabha on Sunday.
Agnel Pereira sought to know the action taken by the panchayat against the controversial construction of Goa Cricket Academy.
“The Academy has been constructed without obtaining permission from the Town and Country Planning department and also the panchayat. Now, the Academy has become the sole property of a handful of office bearers of GCA. Local youth do not have any right to play on the ground,” alleged Pereira.
Panchayat secretary Vipin Korgaonker said the panchayat issued notice to the GCA to demolish the Academy. “But the GCA has gone in appeal with the Directorate of Panchayat against the demolition order and the matter is pending with the Director of Panchayat,” he informed.
Bhiku Sawant raised the issue of Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Co-op Society and said the society is doing business worth crores of rupees, but the panchayat is not getting any revenue from them. “Most of the stalls in their premises have been allotted to non-Goans and their garbage is being collected by the panchayat. Hence, panchayat should impose some fees or tax on the society,” stated Sawant.
Sarpanch Radhika Sawant assured to look into the matter.
The villagers also complained about pathetic conditions of the gardens in Porvorim. They said none of the six gardens within the panchayat jurisdiction are in good condition and demanded good maintenance of the gardens.
The issues of stray dogs, illegal constructions and maintenance of wells were also discussed.
Earlier, Sarpanch Sawant welcomed the gathering, while Secretary Korgaonker read the minutes of the last gram sabha.
Eknath Narvekar, S Arlekar, Olav Braganza and Audri also participated in the discussion.
