ARAMBOL: The village panchayat of Arambol witnessed a tumultuous gram sabha as concerns over illegal constructions, particularly in Girkarwada, took centre stage. The heated meeting resulted in a resolution to replace the panchayat lawyer, aiming for a more effective approach in handling court cases related to the issue.
Allegations surfaced that the panchayat conducted surveys without prior notice to establishment owners. Villagers demanded for the panch member of the respective ward and the complainant to be present during the survey of 187 illegal constructions at Girkarwada, and to not conduct any surveys in their absence. Despite the presence of key officials, including Sarpanch Rajani Ibrampurkar and deputy sarpanch Anupama Mayekar, the gram sabha was suspended multiple times. Panch members Sonali Majji, Divya Gadekar, panchayat secretary Subhash Kambli, and others attended, while former Sarpanch Bernard Fernandes abstained.
Villagers demanded clarity on Fernandes’ role, questioning if he, despite a High Court directive to resign, still influenced panchayat affairs. Demanding transparency, the villagers questioned the reason behind pending NOC certificate applications from Girkarwada residents. Allegations also emerged regarding structures being sealed without notice, prompting criticism of the panchayat secretary’s suggestion to approach the court.
A resolution proposing the appointment of Adv Ashwin Bhobe as the new panchayat lawyer was presented by Santosh Korkankar and Prajoy Fernandes. The resolution aimed at enhancing legal effectiveness in addressing issues related to unauthorised constructions in the coastal village.
