Team Herald
MARGAO: The Navelim gram sabha witnessed a heated debate on land development at Mandopa with the villagers slamming the panchayat for not coming out with a concrete action despite repeatedly raising the issue.
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Responding to the gram sabha members led by local resident George Barretto, who expressed their frustration over the issue, Sarpanch Michael Cardozo said that a show cause notice had been issued to the developer and assured that the matter would be taken forward.
After the meeting, the sarpanch told the media that the issue would be placed before the panchayat body meeting on February 15, where steps would be initiated to begin the process for demolishing the unauthorised structures.
Other issues such as Salpem Lake, stray cattle damaging fields and traffic congestion in the village were also discussed with the residents demanding answers over the delays in addressing these problems.
With regards to the Salpem lake area, the farmers highlighted the difficulties they face in cultivating fields in the absence of fencing. They pointed out that the Western Bypass, which passes through the lake, has left fields exposed to stray cattle and illegal dumping of waste. The farmers demanded the immediate fencing of the area to protect their fields from further damage.
On the pressing issue of rising stray dog population, the sarpanch explained to the gram sabha members that the government had sent a memorandum urging the panchayat to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NGOs for an Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme to manage the situation.
With regards to traffic congestion near educational institutions, the members questioned the parking provisions in the village plan. Additionally, despite the Western Bypass being inaugurated in December, they noted that heavy vehicles continue to pass through the village, further worsening the situation. They urged authorities to ensure that traffic is diverted as intended.
