Sarpanch vows to save eroded Majorda-Utorda beach stretch

Sarpanch vows to save eroded Majorda-Utorda beach stretch
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, APRIL 25  
Soil erosion on the Majorda-Utorda stretch of the beach figured at the gram sabha of Majorda village Panchayat on Sunday with Sarpanch Visitation D’Silva promising the members to take up the work on a priority basis.
At the Sunday gram sabha, which was attended by Benaulim MLA and Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco, members expressed concern over the beach erosion taking place at a fast pace and felt the authorities should intervene and save the pristine beach stretch from total destruction.
Sarpanch D’Silva informed the members the steps are taken by her with concerned authorities, including the Water Resources department to implement the beach protection measures.
She said the Panchayat would also solicit cooperation and assistance from the starred resorts to help protect the beach stretch. In this connection, the Sarpanch informed that a team of officials from the Water Resources Department will come down to Majorda on Tuesday to inspect the beach stretch and suggests measures.
The sarpanch said the panchayat would impress upon the WRD officials to implement the beach management plan a la Betalbatim already put in place by the government.
Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco, who made his presence felt at the meeting at the invitation of the Sarpanch to hear the grievances of the villagers, promised all out help to the panchayat body to carry out development.
The minister told the panchayat to adopt resolutions on developmental projects and communicate the same to him to execute the projects. He informed the members that the Tourism Department has funds to take up roads and other beautification projects and assured to utilize the funds for the village development.
The gram sabha complimented the local MLA for his decision to desilt the Tolleabandh Lake at his cost following the initiative taken by Adv Radhrao Gracias and Thomas.
Meanwhile, the absence of linesmen to attend to street lights maintenance figured at the gram sabha meeting. Agitated members pointed out that the street lights have been non-functioning in recent times, leaving several roads in darkness.
The Sarpanch agreed with the members and said the two linesmen working in the Majorda-Utorda area are currently injured thus causing inconveniences to the villagers.
The gram sabha meeting also approved the annual budget estimates after deliberations on the proposals. The issue over recovery of tax arrears from the starred hotels also figured during the discussions, with the Sarpanch re-assuring the members that the arrears would be recovered from the hotels after following the due process of law.
The sarpanch also read out at the meeting the correspondence the Panchayat received from a starred hotel on the question of recovery of arrears and reiterated the Panchayat’s resolve to recover the amount earlier waived by the body after following legal process.