The gram sabha of Agonda last Sunday.
CANACONA
Agonda residents have unanimously demanded immediate removal of five of the over 15 speed breakers (humps) that have not been asked for by the panchayat before these humps take further toll on motorists.
Beginning Devaghaga to Parvem, villagers complain of erection of over 15 humps on the MDR-49 road in recent months. Based on resolutions in previous gram sabhas where accident spots were discussed and arrived at decisions, Agonda panchayat has sought for erection of speed breakers at certain spots to avert accidents due to over-speeding. The authorities have erected these speed breakers, and according to gram sabha members, district authorities have erected some additional humps which are not required at all, and the same have now become the reason for more mishaps and accidents, instead of averting accidents, gram sabha members complained.
After elaborate discussion, unanimous resolution was passed to remove two humps which according to members were not required, but has created fatal accidents on the slope at Bokdamoll-Agonda, besides two of the three speed breakers at Sawantwada, and a fifth one at different location on MDF-49 road passing through Agonda village.
‘If people do not want some of these speed breakers/humps, we will accordingly write to the district authorities concerned to remove them’, informed Sarpanch Nilesh Pagui.
Villagers also proposed to increase house tax acceptable to all to minimum of Rs 100 for roof tiled house, and Rs 500 for a terraced house. Interestingly, in previous gram sabha a nominal increase of 10% to the existing house tax has been approved and panchayat has been asked to implement it
The issue of illegal gate placed by Alchemist blocking the fishermen and others pathway to the vall side beach was hotly discussed and it was resolved that panchayat should act and demolish the same.
Sarpanch and Secretary Amol Naik Gaunkar informed that the new Bhandara in Mudkud ward will solve the water issue of Agonda village.
Coastal residents, particularly from Dhavalkhazan complained the bats are increasing along the coastline and sometimes the menace is threatening residents. Sarpanch said that higher authorities will be informed.
Residents of Parvem complained that the road gutters are not cleaned in their ward, and action should immediately follow. Sarpanch informed that the panchayat shed renovation will be taken up after monsoon, and further stated that the black spot of garbage dumps in Parvem will be solved.
Sarpanch Pagui has requested and appealed to the villagers to give their support for developments and make Agonda garbage – free.
Besides Sarpanch Nilesh Pagui, Dy Sarpanch Karuna Phaldesai, Panch members Preettal Fernandes, John Fernandes, Secretary Amol Naikgaunkar, BDO Observer Rakshanda Pagi, were present.
