VERNA: The Verna grab sabha started with a heated debate between the panchayat body and a group of youth over a proposed open-air hall next to Verna Lake. The locals objected to the process claiming that it would cause garbage, sewage and sound issues. They also questioned the panchayat whether it has given permissions for the open-air hall.
The panch of the ward informed that the panchayat had granted permission and stated that if anyone has any issue, they must place it before the panchayat and discuss it. However, the villagers were not convinced hinting at a possible case of bribery.
The sarpanch responded to the accusation saying that the panchayat members are ready to take an oath that they did not take any bribe. He also took pot-shots at ex-MLA Mickky Pacheco for attending a public meeting regarding the issue on Saturday evening. He scolded the villagers for getting ‘roasted’ like Mickky Pacheco for the meeting and claimed that the panchayat members have no issue with open-air hall. “Do you want the owner to make plots and sell it?” he asked.
When the citizens questioned if the project had GCZMA approval since it is near a lake, the secretary said that the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) did not ask for it.
The secretary told the gram sabha members that they cannot discuss development permissions in the gram sabha. “You can challenge the project in court,” he told the gram sabha members.
The secretary also refused to note the objections raised by the members in the minutes-book claiming that it is a contempt of court. He reprimanded the gram shabha members stating that only development works can be discussed in the gram sabha and members cannot question any other works. “Illegal matters cannot be discussed,” he claimed.
One local, Preston Braganza, appealed to get a full time doctor at the Health centre in case of emergencies. To which, the panchayat members responded by stating that they have made an application to Directorate of Health Services but they have not responded. An issue related to delay in electricity department taking over the old panchayat was also discussed.
Herald later spoke to the Secretary who clarified that the Panchayat had received directions not to allow Any Other Business (AOB) to be discussed. He also stated that they have been given another order prohibiting any discussion on construction licences as it will be a Contempt of Court.
