Team Herald
ASSAGAO: The Siolim-Marna gram sabha saw villagers holding the panchayat fully responsible for the environmental degradation of the village, accusing it of failing to exercise its authority effectively.
Gram sabha member and Biodiversity Chairperson Joaquim Barros questioned the panchayat on the actions taken following the July gram sabha resolutions that opposed rampant constructions and the proliferation of swimming pools.
Responding to the concerns, Sarpanch Sandesh Hadfadkar and panchayat secretary Mandrekar cited a High Court ruling, stating that the gram sabha had no jurisdiction to oppose or revoke construction licences.
However, Gregory D'Souza challenged this position, asking whether the panchayat had issued construction licences with specific conditions. "If conditions were stipulated, the panchayat certainly has the authority to revoke licences where these conditions are not met," he argued. D'Souza stressed that even if the gram sabha lacked direct power, the panchayat was empowered to act when legitimate reasons were presented.
Barros expressed concern over the cumulative impact of constructions, bore wells, soak pits, and swimming pools on the village’s resources. He lamented the apparent buck-passing among government departments, including the panchayat, warning that neglecting these issues would adversely affect future generations.
"We are witnessing an explosion of multi-dwelling projects with swimming pools. On one hand, Siolim faces water shortages; on the other, water is being wasted in pools. Existing wells are at risk of contamination as constructions proceed without sewage treatment plants (STPs), water harvesting systems, waste management solutions, or biodigesters, placing immense strain on local infrastructure," Barros stated. He criticised the panchayat for failing to hold developers accountable.
Barros and D'Souza called for immediate intervention, proposing camps conducted by the Water Resources Department for well registration and similar initiatives by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to address the prevalence of unhygienic food in Siolim.
Deforestation was another major concern raised at the meeting. Villagers demanded that the panchayat enforce strict measures to prevent tree felling and ensure replantation. "Trees are vital for oxygen production. With rampant greenery loss, we risk breathing polluted air, increasing the prevalence of illnesses. Yet, there is no substantial action from the panchayat," a villager remarked.
Several residents questioned the purpose of electing panchayat members if essential decisions were controlled by external departments.
The gram sabha also discussed the recent accident involving Judith Fernandes, a prominent Siolim resident. Former panchayat member Victor Fernandes and another local, also named Victor Fernandes, raised concerns over inadequate setbacks in compound wall constructions and the dangers posed by haphazard parking, particularly by app-based taxis, which endanger pedestrians.
Villagers, including Joaquim Barros, Fatima Fernandes, Amrut Agarwadekar, and Gregory D'Souza, strongly asserted that the panchayat is directly accountable to the people. They condemned the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, accusing it of pursuing policies detrimental to the State’s welfare.