PONDA: Madkai villagers passed a resolution during their Gram sabha, demanding 100 per cent local employment in industries at the Madkai Industrial Estate. They pointed out that the Karnataka government has implemented similar measures to ensure job opportunities for locals.
Sarpanch Shailendra Panajikar emphasised that the resolution seeks to secure jobs for locals or Goans in industries located in both the Madkai and Kundaim Industrial Estates. The villagers’ concerns also extended to water resources. They requested an inspection of bore wells in the Madkai Industrial Estate area, located on a plateau, due to a significant drop in spring and ground water levels. The locals, who had previously opposed new bore well permissions, suspect that excessive water extraction is contributing to the shortage of water at the ground level and reducing water levels in local springs and water bodies.
Additionally, discussions were held regarding house tax assessments. Sarpanch Panajikar noted that an agency has been appointed to conduct the survey for house tax assessment, and decisions on new tax rates will follow. The villagers also addressed water conservation issues, urging residents to dig trenches in cashew orchards and on hills to aid in water harvesting.
