GRAM SABHAS IN BRIEF
Areal demands recovery of mining loot
MARGAO: The Sao Jose de Areal gram sabha on Sunday demanded that the government recover the Rs 35,000 crore mining loot and utilize the amount for the development of the villages.
The resolution moved by member Peter Fernandes pointed out that recovery of the mining loot would enrich the state’s coffers and usher in the development of the state.
After much discussion, the members demanded that the panchayat body forward the resolution to the governor and the chief secretary for necessary action
The meeting also demanded that the government first release irrigation water to the paddy fields of Sao Jose Areal before supplying water to Industries at the Verna Industrial Estate. Members unanimously pointed out that the Selaulim irrigation project was built to give a boost for agricultural production in South Goa, adding that the Selaulim water should be first made available to the fields and than to the industries.
Meanwhile, the gram sabha also adopted a resolution opposing a second airport at Mopa. Members pointed out that Dabolim should be upgrade to international standards and should be retained as Goa’s lone international airport.
Curtorim meet debates migrants issue
MARGAO: The issue over the presence of migrants dominated the gram sabha of the Curtorim village Panchayat.
When the gram sabha members questioned the panchayat body members on the steps taken on the issue, they were informed that the body had resolved to charge one month rent on the rented premises. However, there was strong objection to the proposal as gram sabha members claimed that this will only help to get illegal constructions legalized. Deputy Sarpanch Joaquim Santano Rodrigues informed gram sabha that 95% of tenanted rooms are constructed illegally and asked for suggestion/proposal from the gram sabha members. As no suggestion/proposal to solve the issue came, it was decided not to go ahead with the body proposal.
Although an effort was made to constitute the Garbage Management Committee, no villager was found willing to be a member but the villagers demanded constitution of the panel with panchas as it members.
The issue of refusal by talathi to include names of those born in Gulf countries on ration cards figured at the gram sabha. However, it was explained to gram sabha members that the issue need to be taken at different forum.
Borim locals demand full-time secy
BORIM: Borim villagers on Sunday demanded to appoint full-time secretary, as the present secretary holds additional charge at Panchawadi Panchayat.
The villagers during gram sabha said due to non-availability of the secretary, their official work gets affected, forcing them to visit the panchayat office again. Panch Dinesh Naik, supporting the villagers, said he is also of the opinion that full-time secretary is a must.
Sarpanch Nutan Naik after listening to the demand of the villagers assured to take up the issue with authorities and the local MLA.
According to the villagers, the panchayat secretary is available twice in the week.
The villagers also sought to know whether site for garbage treatment plant was identified. The sarpanch informed that the comunidade land was identified, but since one person has raised objection in the court, the matter is pending.
The issue of playground at Kalmamall was also discussed. Panchas assured the villagers to look into the matter to provide good facilities.
Several issues of illegal constructions, house numbers issued without proper documentation and developmental works were discussed at the gram sabha.
Bandora meet adjourned for third time
PONDA: The Bandora Gram Sabha on Sunday was adjourned for the third time after the panchayat reportedly admitted its failure to take action against an alleged controversial ongoing developmental work at Farmagudi.
Villagers have also demanded resignation of the sarpanch over the issue.
It may be recalled that in January, the gram sabha was postponed after the panchayat failed to demolish the approach road to the controversial land at Farmagudi, which was declared to be “illegal” by the panchayat.
The gram sabha was once again postponed in March over the absence of Sarpanch Sulaksha Naik.
“This is limit. Sarpanch had given us assurance to take stern action. It’s over six months now and the sarpanch has no answer as to what action has been taken,” said a villager, Govind Gaude.
The sarpanch admitted the failure to take action. However, the sarpanch requested for more time but the request was rejected by the villagers.
It may be recalled that villagers since the last three years have been fighting to protect a large area of land at Farmagudi. Villagers claimed that the land belongs to Bandora Comunidade but were transferred to a private party. Villagers have objected to concretisation of over 80,000 sq mtrs of land identified as grazing land according to RP 2021.
Even as the gram sabha was adjourned, villagers passed a resolution and accordingly the panchayat has agreed to issue public notice to inform of the risk involved in purchasing the property at Farmagudi.
A resolution was also passed requesting panchayat to issue a stop work order to the ongoing alleged controversial developmental work in the area.
