Team Herald
SIOLIM: The Siolim Marna gram sabha, held on Sunday after a four-month hiatus, delved into pressing issues, including megaprojects, swimming pools, water and power shortages, open sewage discharge, and haphazard development. The meeting also reignited discussions on discarding the 2021 Regional Plan (RP) and involving villagers in drafting a new RP for Goa.
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The gram sabha saw moderate attendance, with residents demanding immediate attention to blocked drains, which cause fields and roads to flood during heavy rains. Villagers insisted on proportionate drains to handle water flow effectively.
Highlighting the need for structural reforms, Joaquim Barros criticised the absence of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) under ward members’ leadership, calling it a significant lapse by the panchayat. He urged better coordination among the Panchayat, VDC (Village Development Committee), and government departments like PWD, Electricity, WRD, TCP, and Health, stating that isolated approvals for projects often result in adverse consequences for villagers.
Environmental concerns were raised by senior citizen Amrut Agarwadekar, who stressed preserving the green cover and acting against hill and tree cutting. He blamed deforestation for the displacement of wildlife, leading to monkeys destroying homes and vegetation. “Enough is enough; no further destruction should be allowed,” he asserted.
Barros and Gregory D’Souza questioned the panchayat on actions taken regarding the July gram sabha resolution opposing megaprojects and swimming pools. Barros also demanded clarity on groundwater studies, asking whether the PWD or WRD had assessed its sustainability. He highlighted concerns about water scarcity, dependence on wells, and the potential contamination of groundwater from swimming pool projects. He called the proliferation of swimming pools a “menace,” citing a new project with 20 pools in his ward as an example.
Sarpanch Sandesh Hadfadkar assured attendees that these issues would be thoroughly addressed at the next VDC meeting, with relevant government officials present for a detailed discussion. He noted that while departments grant project approvals and NOCs, the panchayat is committed to safeguarding villagers’ interests and environmental balance.
