Navelim: Mobile towers were a key topic of discussions at the Navelim gram sabha.
The gram sabha unanimously resolved to oppose the two proposed mobile towers in the village. This was against the backdrop of discussions where concerns about the ill-effects of radiation were raised. There was also a resolution to write to the neighbouring Sirlim-Dramapur panchayat, where there is similar opposition to a tower installed in the village.
When asked about the mobile tower proposals in Navelim, Sarpanch Frank Fernandes said that the panchayat had not yet received any proposal, but it would reject the same if it came to them.
The gram sabha also passed a resolution to impose fines for digging of roads without permission. This was after villagers pointed out that the contractor had damaged public drains by cutting across drain slabs. The villagers demanded that the panchayat impose a fine on the company for damaging the drains and roads.
The villagers also wanted the panchayat to form guidelines for rent collection from houses. Regarding the compulsory payment of one-month rent to the panchayat, it was pointed out that to avoid paying this rent, the owners do not sign the lease agreement. This is in lieu of the panchayat asking those giving their houses on rent to register with the panchayat.
