ARAMBOL: In the gram sabha held on Sunday, concerned villagers expressed their anger and frustration over the worsening water crisis in Arambol caused by numerous illegal borewells. The local wells have dried up, prompting the villagers to demand the immediate closure of such borewells.
A resolution to this effect was also passed during the meeting. Additionally, the villagers suggested that the panchayat should implement rainwater harvesting within its jurisdiction to mitigate the water problems.
Responding to the queries raised by villagers, Sarpanch Bernard Fernandes informed them that the panchayat cannot halt the functioning of borewells that have obtained proper permission from the Water Resources Department. Heated arguments ensued between the villagers and the sarpanch regarding the collection of dry waste. Other issues discussed during the meeting included the construction of a footbridge near Parsekarwada school, road repairs at Varchawada, maintenance of the panchayat building, and cleaning of drains.
Furthermore, the gram sabha members requested the panchayat to hire a dedicated person to recover outstanding taxes and increase the panchayat’s revenue, as improper tax collection was causing financial losses.
