Team Herald
PANJIM: The Taleigao Village Panchayat Gram Sabha on Sunday was marked by intense discussions as residents raised concerns regarding illegal construction licences and the diversion of water supplies.
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Licences granted for developments in the midst of fields faced strong criticism, while residents of Dona Paula claimed that their water supply is being diverted without their consent.
Local leaders Francis Coelho, Ceaser Machado, and Cecille Rodrigues, backed by concerned villagers, endeavoured to address urgent issues related to illegal construction licences and water diversion, only to be silenced by thugs brought in from Camrabhat at the request of the Panchayat members.
A proposal was presented at the gram sabha, calling for the revocation of construction licences issued for a residential complex situated in low-lying paddy fields. These fields, classified as Morod and completely surrounded by low-lying paddy fields such as Jilalem Morod and Franzalem Morod, are crucial for water retention, flood mitigation and agriculture.
It was highlighted that despite the village’s zero carrying capacity for further large-scale development, the panchayat continues to approve high-density projects without due consideration. A villager from Dona Paula brought the water crisis to the forefront by carrying water pipes to the gram sabha, visually demonstrating how the village’s water supply has been redirected to a nearby luxury hotel.
, leaving Dona Paula grappling with a severe water shortage.
