MAPUSA
Acknowledging the concern of farmers over high tension power lines passing through the fields in Parra, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo appealed to the farmers for one chance.
“I know routing the HT power lines through the fields is wrong but we are asking farmers to give us one chance as it is the need of the hour. We will see that the collector gives a good order. Our advocate will talk to the farmers…” Lobo said.
The Calangute MLA was addressing a large gathering at the foundation stone laying function for reconstruction of a new panchayat building in Parra.
Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), Chairman, Deepak Pauskar, who was the chief guest, Parra Sarpanch, Delilah Lobo, Verla-Canca Sarpanch, Milton Marques, Calangute Sarpanch, Shawn Martins and officials were also present.
Continuing, Lobo said that if the HT power line was not allowed then there would be massive power outages in the coastal belt and people would be worst sufferers.
“We need to understand and bear for some time. We will remove the HT lines later and make provision for underground cabling which requires at least Rs 1,200 crore. I know the farmers are upset because the power lines pass through their fields. We will talk to them…,” he said.
It may be recalled villagers at the gram sabha on Sunday opposed the HT power lines and erection of electricity poles in the fields.
Bowing to wishes of the people, Sarpanch, Delilah Lobo agreed to rewrite to the power department and to remain physically present along with other panch members in the field if the department forced its way.
Chief Guest Deepak Pauskar, Chairman of GSIDC, informed that the reconstruction of the Parra panchayat building finally fructified due to constant follow-up done by Sarpanch Delilah Lobo.
He said GSIDC has taken up several works in the State and would hopefully tender a ring road costing around Rs 176 crore from O Coqueiro restaurant in Porvorim to Saligao, Calangute and other four villages in the coastal belt.
The re-construction work of Parra panchayat building has been tendered for Rs 1.78 crore and awarded to M/s Shivam Infratech.
The work is scheduled to commence on March 6, 2019 and is expected to end within 15 months, by June 5, 2020.
GSIDC has taken up the work under the Deendayal Panchayat Raj infrastructure Development (Golden Jubilee) Scheme 2013. The scope of work entails reconstruction of the panchayat building with ground-plus-two floors with total area 297 sq mt and built-up area of around 499 sq mt.
While the ground floor will have six shops, toilets and a passenger lift, first floor will accommodate the panchayat administration office and cabins, meeting room, pantry, library and toilet.
The second floor will have a meeting hall for gram sabha which is expected to accommodate 200 people, store room and toilets.
