TEAM HERALD
BENAULIM: A call to make the Monte Hill a heritage site and the issue of illegal constructions, garbage and house tax took precedence at the Benaulim gram sabha held on Sunday after several adjournments. Despite heated arguments among Sarpanch Remedios Fernandes and members of the gram sabha, several resolutions were passed. Benaulim MLA Caitu D’Silva was also present for the meeting.
It was brought to the notice of the public of the impending crisis that lay ahead for the picturesque site of the Monte Hill that has a chapel atop it if the panchayat was not careful with granting construction licenses.
Following enquiries for a water tank project being implemented on the hill, villagers pointed out to its heritage value calling for conservation.
Gram sabha member Agnelo Fernandes said that the hill is a heritage site and is being used by the church. However, land sharks are also acquiring land on the hill, he complained.
A resolution was finally adopted to inspect the area.
A resolution was also passed for the assessment of house tax within the next three months, values for which were not available with the panchayat. The sarpanch informed the gathering that over Rs 50 lakh was collected as house tax for the year 2012-13 and 2013-14, but was yet to do so for the last financial year.
To solve the garbage issue, the sarpanch informed the gram sabha that an area of 3,000 sq meters was in the process of being approved for setting up a waste treatment plant.
The panchayat had fined 15 people a total of Rs 25,500 for dumping garbage around the village, the gram sabha was informed.
Gram sabha Member Rudolf Baretto said, “As per rules framed by the Goa Biodiversity Board, each panchayat should have its own biodiversity committee with the aim of protecting the village’s fields.”
Following discussions, the sarpanch called for a special gram sabha for a discussion on forming a biodiversity committee and who should be its members.
