Team Herald
BICHOLIM: The Navelim-Sanquelim gram sabha on Sunday resolved to issue a show cause notice to a polluting industry in the village after a strong opposition from the public.
Adv Mukesh Navelkar brought to the notice of the gram sabha that there is a polluting industry, besides mining, which gives out smoke and causes pollution in the area. The residents sought to know if the company has taken NOC for extending the plant.
“When the plant was established it was running on a smaller scale but now it has grown fourfold and the panchayat has no control over the same,” Navelkar said adding, “Besides smoke, the road is always busy and there are cattle, car parking and other such problems on the Maina-Navelim road which are dangerous.”
The residents said that the smoke is such that it also hampers the visibility. The gram sabha later resolved to send a show cause notice to the company.
The problem of crematorium was also discussed during the meeting. It was suggested to construct a road leading to the crematorium and a compound wall to be built in the area. Vishwambar Gawas, a member, suggested that the panchayat should inspect the area.
Gawas said that at least two spots in the village could be developed for tourism. In this regard it was also decided to take the help of the local MLA and a five-member committee was formed. Sarpanch Manili Gawas said that the committee would soon meet to discuss the issue.
Suraj Marathe, another member, also highlighted the problems faced due to pollution. The residents also demanded that the panchayat should develop a playground in Maina. However, a panch said that it could be possible only if the land owner gives the panchayat NOC to develop the same.
The issue of constructing footpath along the Navelim-Maina road was also discussed. It was also suggested to make the signboards bigger in size. All the seven members were present for the meeting.
