CAVELOSSIM: In view of the spiralling COVID-19 fatalities and positive cases reported in the State, the Cavelossim panchayat on Monday opted for a partial lockdown in the village.
Sarpanch Dinozio Dias said, “Today, we met and have decided to keep the essential shops open till 12 noon. Bars to be closed, social distancing to be maintained, masks mandatory. We already had a vaccination camp on April 21 but have requested the health officials to conduct another camp but since they do not have stock, we are waiting for the appointment.”
Regarding the annual pre-monsoon task of cleaning the drains, cutting the shrubs and trimming tree branches, Dias said, “We have started cleaning the drains. But we are facing shortage of labour as most people have gone back. Beach shacks have been dismantled.”
Meanwhile, the Navelim panchayat failed to conduct its meeting on Monday to deliberate on the issue.
Sarpanch Bebinda Gonsalves said, “We couldn’t conduct the panchayat meeting. Panchayat has not organised anything as the Congress’ Navelim MLA Luizinho Faleiro is doing the needful as he has given a letter to the health authorities. The vaccination is conducted at the Navelim Primary Health Centre (PHC). So the Navelim Panchayat cannot conduct a separate vaccination camp.”
Regarding the annual pre-monsoons task of cleaning drains, cutting shrubs and trimming of tree branches, Gonsalves said, “On cleaning of drains, the ward members have been informed and we have already finished cutting the bushes.”
Interestingly, despite over 70-80 COVID-19 positive cases reported in the Sirlim-Dramapur panchayat jurisdiction, no vaccination camps or sanitisation drives have been conducted in the village.
“Earlier, anyone testing positive for COVID-19 would give their names and the panchayat would sanitise their residencies. But now as the situation is getting out of control with most people in Sirlim testing positive for the infection, it’s difficult to carry out spraying now,” said panch Netty Ferrao.
Deputy sarpanch Olasrico Rodrigues said, “We have not taken any decision as we have not received any message. The panchayat has not held any meeting as our panchas have contracted COVID-19 so how can we summon a meeting immediately? Besides, I am a senior citizen and presently at home. I cannot say anything, so please speak to the sarpanch.”
With regards to pre-monsoons task of cleaning drains, cutting of bushes and trimming of tree branches, Rodrigues said, “We will do it later or after the lockdown as there’s no cutting of bushes but only cleaning of drains.”
Despite several attempts, sarpanch Sanjana Chari was unavailable for comment.
