Team Herald
PANJIM: The Anjuna gram sabha that was held on Sunday initially witnessed chaotic scenes over the passage of the annual budget but later the Sarpanch accepted the suggestions of the locals and assured to do the needful.
Major issues discussed were destruction of sand dunes on the beach, stray cattle.
The gram sabha witnessed chaotic scenes as the budget of Rs 14.6 crore was sought to be passed in a huff. The villagers objected to this and said that the budget cannot be pushed through and needs proper study and observation and whatever needs to be changed should then be incorporated, such a budget cannot be passed in a huff and hurry style.
Ramesh Naik, a local sought to know what was the hurry and why no proper public awareness was made with regards to the budget. He was supported by other villagers also. Sarpanch Chimulkar accepted the suggestions of the locals and said that whatever has discussed is being noted and necessary steps will be taken.
Sagar Bhosle raised the issue of stray cattle and wondered what was preventing the panchayat to act since last so many months. Sarpanch Chimulkar informed that discussions are on with some gaushalas and finally there are higher authorities who also need to approve this action of the panchayat and therefore panchayat actions need to be in accordance with that.
Another gram sabha member Jeremy raised the issue of loud music in clubs as usual and sought prompt action in the matter. Sarpanch as usual said that the panchayat cannot do much and the police needs to be informed and enforce the law.
Another issue which was hotly discussed was the destruction of sand dunes and the construction of a road in survey number 354/1 at Vagator and Biodiversity members Ramesh Naik and Satyawan Harmalkar questioned as to how these illegalites were permitted at the cost of nature.
Other villagers also joined the discussion and pointed out that this was in CRZ violation and now Vagator is a turtle nesting site and should be protected. Chimulkar said that he would issue notices to the party concerned and arrange for a joint inspection to check for illegallities .