Team Herald
PONDA: The Curti-Khandepar Panchayat, chaired by Sarpanch Abhijeet Gaude, held a meeting on Sunday, where various development works were discussed. A key outcome of the meeting was a unanimous resolution against Electronic Dance Music (EDM) parties within the Panchayat's jurisdiction.
Local activist Sandeep Parkar, prior to the resolution's passage, highlighted recent drug seizures worth Rs 5,600 crore in Delhi, indicating that the substances were likely intended for distribution at large music events in Goa, Gujarat, and Mumbai. He emphasised the importance of proactively opposing such events to safeguard the youth from potential drug-related issues. His proposal to oppose the EDM event was supported by all members of the Gramsabha, including the panchayat body.
Additionally, residents raised concerns regarding encroachments on crematorium land, prompting Sarpanch Gaude to assure that legal action would be taken once the demarcation work on the land was completed. Parkar also called for action against illegal scrapyards operating in the area.
Other issues discussed included truck parking and garbage dumping, with the Sarpanch promising to address the garbage problem by issuing notices to the responsible parties. Concerns about open defecation linked to truck parking were also raised. Farmers from the ST and OBC communities requested a retaining wall to protect their fields.
Villagers upset with early start
PONDA: Residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the timing of the Gramsabha meetings, which have been scheduled for 9.15 am instead of the previously agreed-upon 10 am. Local resident Rockey Dias pointed out that earlier resolutions stipulated a start time of 10 am, with meetings beginning at 10.30 am if there was no quorum. He noted that the 9.15 am start time is inconvenient for many, especially members of the Catholic community who attend church services on Sunday mornings. Additionally, working-class residents, particularly those with night shifts, often find it difficult to attend due to the early start time.
Parkar reiterated that the resolution to fix the Gramsabha time at 10 am was established to accommodate all residents, and he expressed frustration over the Panchayat's failure to implement this change. When approached for a comment, Ponda BDO Ashwin Desai stated he would discuss the issue with the Panchayat.