Curtorim villagers accuse panchayat of corruption, being builder-friendly
Team Herald
MARGAO: Tempers flared at the Curtorim village panchayat gram sabha on Sunday, as angry villagers accused the Panchayat of favouring builders, bypassing procedures, and taking decisions without consulting the gram sabha.
Allegations of corruption were also made, with several villagers demanding the resignation of Sarpanch Alcino D’Silva.
The meeting began with the reading of the previous gram sabha minutes, where the long-pending Material Recovery Facility (MRF) issue resurfaced. While the Sarpanch claimed that land had been identified and the surveyor had been informed, villagers were shocked when the surveyor present denied any knowledge of such instructions.
A key flashpoint came when five of the six proposals submitted by gram sabha members were rejected without clear reasons. Among these was a proposal from ex-Zilla Panchayat member Moreno Rebelo, demanding discussion on how mega projects are approved without consulting the gram sabha. Villagers alleged that a 2024 resolution requiring all housing project proposals to be presented before the gram sabha was ignored.
Tensions peaked when the controversial Maina housing project was brought up. Villagers alleged that the Panchayat granted permission without informing the gram sabha or all panch members.
Accusations were made that money exchanged hands to clear the project, further intensified by the playing of an audio-video clip allegedly showing the Sarpanch, Secretary, and a panch member involved in a financial deal. The Panchayat body refused to comment on the video, fuelling public anger.
Another Panch member alleged that the Sarpanch bypasses pre-body meetings, failing to inform the Panchayat body about key projects. The revelation led to loud demands for the Sarpanch’s resignation on grounds of corruption and non-transparency.
Adding to the controversy, ex-ZP Moreno Rebelo questioned the sale of 67,000 sq metres of industrial land in Survey No. 280/0, demanding clarity on its future use.
Despite the Sarpanch denying wrongdoing and calling the accusations politically motivated, villagers remained unconvinced, and tensions remained unresolved.
Concern over migrant influx at Raia
Team Herald
MARGAO: Serious concern was expressed by villagers of Raia during the gram sabha held on Saturday, with a strong demand for strict verification of migrants residing in rented accommodations.
According to the Sarpanch, Mario D’Souza, several residents raised alarm over the rising number of migrants in the village. Villagers alleged that the influx is increasing by the day, and emphasised the urgent need for close monitoring. They urged the Panchayat to take immediate steps to initiate proper verification and documentation of those residing in rented premises.
“We need to ensure that all tenants are registered, and proper police verification is done,” said one of the villagers, echoing the sentiments of many others who expressed concern over the lack of oversight.
In addition to the migrant issue, attention was drawn to the mud deposits caused by the water pipeline excavation works at Manora. Villagers complained that excavated soil is flowing onto the road, creating hazardous conditions for both pedestrians and motorists. The situation, they said, has led to significant hardships for residents and commuters, particularly during rains.
The Panchayat was urged to immediately address the issue and direct the concerned department or contractor to take corrective measures to ensure public safety and prevent further inconvenience.