Team Herald
BICHOLIM: The gram sabha on Sunday witnessed heated discussion between the panchayat members and Karapur villagers over issuing NOC to a private project in the village.
When some locals accused panchayat of accepting bribe from the project owner the situation became tense. However, situation calmed down when the panchayat agreed to review the decision to issue NOC.
As soon as the gram sabha assembled, locals Vishnu Menkurkar and Siddhesh Tari questioned the panchayat on what basis a temporary NOC issued to the project. To which, the panchayat Secretary Mahadev Naik informed that the NOC was issued based on the certificate issued by the Town and Country Planning Department.
However, the villagers accused that panchayat of issuing the NOC after accepting bribes. Therefore, they demanded that the NOC be either revoked or panchayat should also allow other projects to go ahead.
Strongly denying the allegation, the panchayat members demanded proof of accepting bribes from the project owner. This vitiated the atmosphere which nearly spiraled out of control. Peace was restored only after the panchayat agreed to review its decision to issue the NOC.
A villager Devidas Rahul complained that migrants residing in the village were dirtying the place. He also alleged that the migrants were unduly enjoying the government schemes.
Therefore, he demanded that the panchayat conduct a survey of houses given on rent to the migrants and impose additional tax on the owners.
Meanwhile, the villagers demanded the vendors conducting business on the main roadside be evicted. They also demanded that fish vendors be not allowed on the roadside at Karapur-Tisk. The villagers suggested that a fish market be constructed for them.
Vinay Mathkar accused the panchayat of not executing any resolution passed in the gram sabha.
North Goa Zilla Parishad President Ankita Navelkar was present at the gram sabha for some time.
