MAPUSA
The Anjuna gram sabha on Sunday unanimously passed a resolution demanding that the Roman script for Konkani be given equal status alongside the Devanagiri script in the official language act.
A large number of residents participated in the meeting to support the resolution.
The resolution, proposed by local resident Royson and seconded by Michael D’Souza, was passed without opposition.
Anjuna Sarpanch, Laxmidas Chimulkar, stated that the resolution would be forwarded to the relevant departments for consideration.
In addition to the language issue, the villagers resolved not to issue any permissions for multi-dwelling units in the village unless proper infrastructure for water and power is established. Many residents voiced their opposition to granting NOCs for large-scale projects.
“No permission should be issued for new constructions except for single dwelling units,” said resident Michael D’Souza.
“We do not have adequate water and power supply. Unless proper infrastructure is put in place, no licenses should be issued for mega projects.”
The villagers also raised concerns about loud music and the lack of police action to address it.
They said despite numerous complaints, police have not taken action against clubs and restaurants that play loud music beyond the permitted hours.
The Sarpanch acknowledged the issue but expressed his inability to directly address it.
He assured the villagers that he would write to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and other relevant departments.
“We don’t issue licenses to play music to the clubs or restaurants. The panchayat only issues trade licenses to these establishments,” Chimulkar explained, adding that the local police station has been informed about the loud music complaints.
Some villagers called for the revocation of a license issued to a hotel project in Zor-vaddo.
The meeting also addressed an earlier procedural issue, where the Sarpanch initially declared the gram sabha as the current quarter’s meeting.
However, under pressure from gram sabha members, it was agreed and declared that the meeting was a continuation of the previous gram sabha, which had been adjourned due to the absence of the Sarpanch and his deputy.
