TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PONDA: Bhoma-Adcolna gram sabha witnessed noisy scenes over the issue of panchayat’s failure to act on the controversial scrap yards in the village.
It may be recalled that during previous gram sabha, the panchayat following villagers’ demand had assured to take action against the controversial scrap yards, especially those near the high school and along the NH4A at Bhoma.
However, Deputy Sarpanch Damodar Naik, who is the acting sarpanch since August last year, said: “After it was decided during the gram sabha, I wrote to the authorities concerned. The scrap yards are illegal, however district administration said action could not be initiated as government is planning to relocate these scrap yards.”
Not satisfied with the reply, the villagers questioned the need to approach the district administration when the scrap yards are illegal. A villager while accusing the panchayat suggested that all the members should “commit suicide” for failing to act against the illegal scrap yards, which infuriated the deputy sarpanch, resulting in war of words. Later, Naik assured to take a decision on the issue within a month.
The issue of sarpanch (reserved for woman) post which is vacant since August last year also came up for discussion with villagers questioning the deputy sarpanch as to why new sarpanch has not been elected. Deputy Sarpanch Naik remained mum over the issue.
Issues like alleged misuse of panchayat funds, a residential project, industrial slag and pending work of ground also came up for discussion.
Villagers alleged that the panchayat funds was being misused and felt the government should conduct an inquiry in the matter however, Deputy Sarpanch Naik denied any misuse of panchayat funds.
Villagers also raised objection to a residential project coming up at Banastarim and claimed that the project will have an adverse effect on the existing resources.
It was also decided to seal shops which have failed to pay rents. According to information, there is recovery of rent of about Rs 10 lakh towards various shops owned by the panchayat at Banastarim.
