TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PONDA: Raising concern over youth from Ponda allegedly consuming alcohol and drugs, residents from Khadpabandh-Ponda have decided to do some moral policing.
Residents from Khadpabandh during a voters meeting on Sunday, organised by ward Councillor Sunil Desai, identified two places in Khadpabandh where youth are allegedly seen consuming alcohol and drugs. One is Khadpabandh garden and the other is near a temple, where residents claimed to have seen youth indulging in such practices.
According to Sunil Desai, the meeting was organised to know the problems and other issues concerning the residents of the ward which he represents.
“It is a known fact and something has to be done as situation will only worsen over a period of time. Police has to be requested to increase patrolling in the area,” said a resident during the meeting.
A woman claimed that she has seen boys accompanied by some girls smoking or taking drugs. Former councillor Adv Manohar Adpaikar, who was also present for the meeting, said, “I know youth from the locality sitting in the garden and consuming alcohol. A couple of times, I had gone there alone and boys after seeing me fled from the scene. Some even hurled abuses after I informed police.”
Councillor Desai said, “We will request police to monitor the area. Apart from this, it is also our responsibility to try and stop such activities.”
When residents said they feel threatened as youth do not listen and question their authority, Desai said, “If this is the case, then I will lead to stop such activities. If they (youth) question our authority, we will answer them.”
“You don’t worry and inform me whenever you see anyone smoking or drinking at the garden or near the temple. Let us be united and work towards betterment of the society,” added Desai.
Various other developmental issues were discussed during the meeting and an advisory committee of Ward 6 was formed.
Residents also requested to hold such meetings in other wards, to which PMC Deputy Chairperson Shantaram Kolvekar said, “I will request other councillors to organise similar meetings in their respective wards.” Councillor Vishwanath Dalvi was also present for the meeting.
