MARGAO
High Court directions on illegal constructions in the town and villages took the centre stage at the gram sabha of the Benaulim village panchayat on Sunday. The members also demanded that the panchayat compile a database of migrants staying in the village on top priority.
At the gram sabha meeting chaired by Sarpanch Xavier Pereira, gram sabha member Rudolf Baretto demanded to know the status of the High Court directions pertaining to the illegal construction, including illegal road side structures.
When the Chair explained that the survey to identify the illegal structures is underway, Barretto said the panchayat should conduct a uniform exercise to bring all the illegal structures under the survey and take the High Court directions to its logical conclusion.
Members reminded the panchayat to the recent High Court observation in the Arambol case wherein it was observed that the panchayat members will be liable for disqualification for remiss in duties if they fail to initiate action against illegal constructions.
The gram sabha also deliberated on the presence of migrants staying in the village with members demanding a database on outsiders.
Members drew attention of the Chair to the erosion taking place on Benaulim Monte (Hill), requesting the Chair to take up with the government construction of a retaining wall before erosion poses danger to the water tank and other structures.
Members lamented over the poor repair work carried out by the contractors engaged to restore the roads after the excavation to lay underground water pipeline.
