The Varca gram sabha on Sunday witnessed tense discussions as villag ers raised concerns over the alleged cutting of sand dunes at Fatrade–Varca—a development that recently triggered political contro versy and fears of ecologi cal damage. Addressing the gathering, Sarpanch Flavia Barreto clarified that the panchayat had no involvement what soever in the controversial cutting of the sand dunes or the road passing through the area. She acknowledged that the panchayat had, in the past, passed a resolu We have not authorised any cutting of dunes or road– Flavia Barreto, Varca Sarpanch tion related to a pathway, but emphasised that the body had played no further role beyond that initial de cision. “We have not author ized any cutting of dunes or road,” she told the gram sabha, responding to ac cusations from agitated villagers. She stressed that the matter was now under investigation by the author ities. The alleged dune alter ation has sparked wide spread concern in Varca, with residents warning that tampering with nat ural dunes could lead to seawater ingress into ag ricultural fields, long-term coastal damage, and dis ruption of natural barri ers meant to protect the village. An FIR has already been registered against unknown persons for vio lating development regula tions and engaging in ille gal cutting activities. In another significant resolution, the gram sabha demanded immediate ac tion to stop massage ser vices and hawkers on Varca beaches, claiming that their presence has become a nui sance to locals and visitors. Villagers insisted that the authorities enforce existing rules to prevent unregu lated business and distur bances along the coastline. The meeting also ad dressed the worsening wa ter quality in some parts of the village. Residents complained about receiv ing rusty, discoloured wa ter, raising fears of poten tial health problems. The gram sabha unanimously resolved to urge the con cerned department to re place old water pipelines, which residents believe are the cause of contami nation
Varca Gram Sabha Erupts Over Illegal Sand Dune Cutting; Panchayat Denies Involvement
