Team Herald
MARGAO: The Nuvem gram sabha on Sunday saw several important discussions and resolutions, including resolution for a hydrological survey of the village.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The members resolved to conduct a hydrological survey of Nuvem, which will include an assessment of groundwater levels and the identification of all water bodies in the village. This resolution was passed during the meeting, which was chaired by Sarpanch Freda D’Sa.
The issue of kayaking on River Sal was brought up by Betty Mendes. She mentioned that after inquiring with the Captain of Ports, they were not aware of any such activity.
The Sarpanch confirmed that the Panchayat has not granted permission for kayaking. Mendes further requested the Sarpanch to remove a photo of the GPDP (Gram Panchayat Development Plan) from the booklet, as kayaking is an illegal activity and the sarpanch agreed to do so.
Gram sabha member Indira suggested allocating a budget for the maintenance and cleaning of the pavements that were recently constructed alongside the road as part of the beautification projects. This proposal was well-received by the members.
Concerns were raised by gram sabha member Carmelito Andrade regarding the fines collected for plastic usage, which were reported to be less than Rs 5,000. The Sarpanch clarified that the fines collected pertained only to the Sunday market and that fines for garbage-related offences amounted to Rs 2 lakhs. This clarification was appreciated by the members.
As part of the discussion, the Sarpanch proposed introducing a garbage tax of Rs 35 per month per household, similar to neighbouring panchayats and the members were encouraged to consider this proposal.
Carmelito Andrade reminded the Sarpanch of previous discussions where members had suggested a survey of households to account for the growing number of migrants in Nuvem. This influx of migrants is believed to be a significant factor in the village’s garbage problem.
The Sarpanch mentioned that the police had already gathered this data based on an order from the Chief Minister and would request the data from the police soon. Carmelito suggested a reverse lookup based on the police data to determine the number of migrants living in households, outhouses, or small rooms built to house migrants.
Everson Vales raised the issue of a garbage black spot identified by the Government Waste Management Authority.
Zarina D’Cunha highlighted concerns regarding comments from the Chief Minister about future water shortages, where it was stated that Goans may only have four hours of drinking water daily and urged the Panchayat not to approve any projects involving swimming pools, given the anticipated water scarcity.
