But the panchayat has few issues to solve such as solid waste management, migrant labour influx, protection of biodiversity, fields, etc
Verna villagers have issues aplenty at their door steps beginning from solid waste management, migrant labour influx, protection of biodiversity, fields etc.
The locals are against setting up of an integrated Solid Waste Management Plant at Verna Plateau as they feel it would adversely affect their village bio-diversity. Housing the one of the biggest Industrial Estate in the State, the village panchayat lacks funds to undertake several developmental works which is need of the hour.
Verna has a population of 6,632 of which 3,249 are men and 3,383 are women as per the Census of India 2011. Literacy rate of this village is 83.50 per cent. There are around 1,668 houses as per the Census 2011 and is located 10 kms North of South Goa District Headquarter, Margao. Prime educational institutions such as Agnel Technical Education Complex and Padre Conceicao College of Engineering are housed here. The village has a rich heritage and relevance to the Goans as the Goddess Mahalasa Narayani Temple is situated on the Plateau. Holy Cross Church is the parish church of the village. The village also have a Police Station.
Verna being a major industrial hub in State, especially to South Goa, many people come here to earn their livelihood as it houses hundreds of companies/firms and other units.
When contacted, Damodar Kochkar, head of Goa State Industries Association, informed that in Verna Industrial Estate there are around 400 industries/firms and other units. Kochkar said, “Around 30,000 to 40,000 people work and earn their livelihood here.”
When asked, whether the village panchayat benefits from the Industrial Estate functioning, Kochkar said that industries pay house tax to Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and GIDC is suppose to contribute towards the panchayat revenue.
He even informed that under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, the industrial estate provide many facilities, necessary equipment to around seven neighbouring schools.
The village is famous for two major fresh water bodies which are believed to be the part of River Sal and these water bodies greatly contribute to the flora and fauna of the village. Many local fish breeding takes place in these water bodies. During winter season, several migratory birds of various species come to this lake. But sadly, several visitors tend to spoil the beauty of these water bodies by littering garbage, plastic and non biodegradable waste in the lake and spring.
Last year, the panchayat took the initiative of cleaning the Ambula Lake area and Huder Spring and also urged the visitors to oblige with the warning signs put up near the lake and spring areas.
Speaking to Herald, Jose Inacio, president of Verna Xetkaranchi Sangathana opined that there is a need to immediately desilt the River Sal to avoid flooding and water clogging in the fields. Last year, farmers suffered, as paddy cultivation was adversely effected due to water clogging in the fields. The farmers also faced great loses as watermelons cultivated by them during winter season got spoiled due to pests.
“This being the only source of livelihood for the farmers they were left staring at a total seasonal cultivation loss. Although, government assured them the compensation for their loss,” Inacio said.
Another major issue for the locals is the proposed solid waste management plant (SWMP).
When enquired about the proposed integrated waste management plant, Verna Panchayat Sarpanch Lourin Fernandes informed that the locals unanimously took a resolution in a gram sabha meeting opposing the SWMP.
She said, “The locals were of the opinion that the project could lead to contamination of lakes, ponds, springs and wells. The incinerators, leachate and strewn garbage will cause air and soil pollution in the area. The villagers wanted a smaller capacity of waste treatment plant exclusively for the village.”
When asked about any other developmental projects the panchayat is planning for the village, the sarpanch informed that the major source of revenue which the panchayat was receiving from the GIDC has been stopped from the year 2015. Recently, I have heard that the GIDC has released the funds to Directorate of Panchayat but till date Verna Panchayat has not received any funds.
Further, Lourin said, “The fish vendors doesn’t want to sit inside the recently built fish market as the customers do not get a proper view of the fish variety available due to poor visibility. The fish vendors told me there is a need to make some changes to the structure such as extra windows. But now, the meat vendors are utilising the market.”
There is also a migrant influx issue the village is facing. During gram sabha meeting, this issue was also discussed. The locals complained that due to numerous numbers of migrants staying in the rented premises, the garbage management problem has been aggravated. The already limited natural resources, waste management etc is indirectly affected by this labour influx.