MARGAO: Stating that a huge amount of garbage was being generated by the migrants residing in rented rooms, villagers of Verna demanded that landlords register their rented properties with the panchayat.
By calling for formal registration, the villagers hoped to ensure better control over rental properties and enforce regulations to address the environmental impact of the waste generated.
Addressing a press conference in Margao, Franky D’Mello demanded immediate action against those involved in the construction of illegal rooms within the jurisdiction of the panchayat.
“There are several migrants residing in rented rooms in Verna and generating a huge quantity of garbage,” he stated. “However, the panchayat is receiving no revenue from these people, despite providing garbage collection services.”
He further demanded that the panchayat should bring these rental properties and their occupants under closer scrutiny.
“We are hearing that the Sunburn EDM is supposed to be held at Verna plateau,” warned D’Mello. “Villagers of Verna are totally opposed to Sunburn and will not hesitate to come onto the streets to protest it.”
Expressing anger over the newly constructed football ground at Verna, he alleged that there is no access to the facility and that it remains closed to the public despite being inaugurated. He criticised the lack of public access and transparency regarding the ground’s availability, questioning the utility of the project if it serves no community benefit.
“Several villagers of Verna have helped and supported the panchayat for the ground to be constructedt,” he stated. “However, the name given—’Verna Arena’—does not highlight anything about the panchayat nor the contributions of the villagers.”
He expressed disappointment that the naming of the ground failed to acknowledge the local support and efforts that contributed to its development.
