MARGAO: Voters of Curtorim Constituency feel that not just the issue of lacking behind in overall development, including unemployment, Curtorim Constituency is also facing a tough situation pertaining to the protection of water bodies, agricultural fields, and even with no dedicated plans in the field of education and youth development.
People of all the four villages of Curtorim Constituency which includes Raia, Rachol, Curtorim, Camorlim, besides few wards of Margao Municipal Council are looking beyond regular issues. They want this constituency to resolve issues pertaining to youth, sports, proper management of storm water, training to farmers, besides handling garbage issues in a well planned manner.
It may be noted that the Curtorim Constituency has more than 29,000 voters with a maximum number of female voters. Known as the granary of Salcete, and agriculture being a main occupation of the people living over here, this constituency is rich in its own beauty.
As claimed by the voters, the government employees of this constituency are very less in number as compared to other constituencies of Goa. Parents want their children to get government jobs so that they should avoid migrating to Gulf and European countries to earn their livelihood.
Aureliano Dias, a citizen of Arlem, Raia feels that there is a need for a system and management to protect the water bodies, which are in large numbers.
“These water bodies need to be protected from destruction. We the people of Curtorim are lacking behind in the educational sector due to no educational policy or no dedicated initiatives to give a boost for the students’ community,” he stated.
He further questioned and said where is the policy pertaining to youth development?
Ives Tavares from Ilhe-de-Rachol is of the opinion that the people living on the island are facing a tough time with regard to sewage management.
“No proper sewage system has created major havoc on the island of Ilhe-de-Rachol for the last several decades, as a result we have noticed raw sewage being flowing into the open fields affecting agriculture and fishing activities,” he complained.
People of Curtorim Constituency and mostly from Raia, Curtorim and Maina expressed frustration with regard to the garbage problem. They even feel that this issue is not only the responsibility of the political leaders, but of social cause and every person needs to contribute towards resolving the issue.
“We cannot blame the politicians all the time, as we too are responsible for the mess. No doubt the political leaders should show more dedication towards the same,” said Milagres Fernandes.
Many citizens of the constituency also feel that no issue pertaining to the hill cuttings in the name of development has raised its head in the recent years, which need to be handled sensitively, keeping in mind to protect the environment.
“We are blessed by Goa with the beauty of nature, which include lakes, water bodies and mountains. However, the cases of illegal hill cutting have raised its ugly head in recent years which is going to destroy the beauty of Curtorim Constituency. We need to protect those mountains,” said Manuel Dias.
Another citizen from Maina said that the increasing numbers of migrants and occupying the land illegally by them is a big threat to the locals. No check on their activities will surely result in major issues in the coming days.
People of Curtorim Constituency can hardly see any major projects which can generate employment or revenue to the local bodies.
“Football is one of the major sports activities in the Curtorim Constituency, but no policy in order to give boost to the players has resulted in youth being moved out from their villages for the better prospects. This issue needs to be taken seriously,” said Anthony Fernandes from Curtorim.
