Special gram sabha to be called on August 3 to discuss the proposal for futsal ground
MIND OVER DEVELOPMENT: A local resident puts forth his views during the gram sabha in Aldona on Sunday, as Sarpanch Ashwin D’Souza and panchayat members look on.
MAPUSA
Residents of Aldona have strongly opposed the proposed 25-metre and 15-metre wide roads in the village, demanding that the road width be restricted to 10 metres, with internal roads limited to six metres.
The decision was taken during the Sunday’s gram sabha meeting, where it was resolved to write to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, objecting to the current proposals under the Regional Plan.
Sarpanch Ashwin D’Souza said the villagers had clearly expressed that wider roads were not necessary in Aldona.
“The people of our village said large roads are not required in Aldona for various reasons. Accordingly, a resolution was passed to write to the TCP objecting to 25 and 15-metre roads. People said 10-metre roads are enough and internal roads should be restricted to six metres,” he said.
This is not the first time Aldona has raised objections to road widening.
During the preparation of the 2012 Regional Plan, residents had voiced similar concerns, but the TCP went ahead with the approval of 25, 15 and 10-metre roads.
The gram sabha also witnessed strong opposition to a proposed futsal ground on the playground behind St Thomas Girls School.
Locals argued that the land was originally acquired by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs for public use, specifically for the benefit of St Thomas Girls School and the nearby government school.
While several members demanded that the issue be put to a vote during the meeting, the sarpanch declined, stating that a special gram sabha would be held on August 3 to exclusively discuss the futsal ground proposal.
Traffic congestion near both schools in the village was another issue discussed. D’Souza informed that land acquisition near the schools was being considered to facilitate proper parking arrangements. In the interim, the panchayat will coordinate with Parent-Teacher Associations and write to the traffic police to manage vehicular movement.
In a separate development, the sarpanch said the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has confirmed it will go ahead with the construction of the village market at its existing site.
“All objections have been cleared as the ownership of the land solely lies with the church,” he said.
