MARGAO
Amid concerns raised by the opposition members, the Benaulim Panchayat on Wednesday adopted a resolution, giving the go-ahead signal for the setting up of a 15-bedded health centre on land belonging to the Provedoria.
A group of villagers, who had come for the emergency meeting on Wednesday, later criticized the panchayat for trying to bulldoze its way with the project without taking the villagers into confidence.
The resolution in support of the health centre for Benaulim and neighbouring villages was adopted by 6-5 votes, with the ruling body headed by Sarpanch Vencila Fernandes supporting the motion and the opposition led by Xavier Fernandes lodging their objection.
The opposition demanded to know the panchayat’s haste to call for an emergency meeting on Wednesday, that too at 12.30 am. Admitting a mistake in the timing, Sarpanch Vencila replied saying the emergency was convened to adopt the resolution and forward the same to the government through local MLA Churchill Alemao in view of the ongoing Assembly session.
The opposition group led by Xavier clarified that they are only objecting to the location and not the health centre. Referring to the objections raised by the villagers to the proposed location of the health centre on the Provedoria land, Xavier said the Panchayat ought to have first discussed the matter with the villagers and addressed their concerns before tabling the proposal at the body meeting.
“The opposition wants to make clear that we are not opposed to the health centre, but the location of the project. Local villagers have stated that the site in question is low lying and belongs to the Provedoria. The land can be used to provide shelter for the homeless or house the elderly,” he added.
He further informed that the Benaulim panchayat cannot decide for the neighbouring villages as the resolution proposed to set up a health centre for Benaulim as well as for neighbouring villages.
The resolution proposed by deputy Sarpanch Nilesh Prabhudesai highlighted the need for a health centre in Benaulim considering the hardships faced the villagers as they had to travel to Cansaulim for their health requirements.
Sarpanch Vencila also echoed similar sentiments. “Health centre is the need of the hour in Benaulim. In the absence of a health centre in Benaulim or neighbouring villages, our people are forced to avail health facilities at the Cansaulim Primary Health centre,” the Sarpanch added.
After the meeting, a local villager Santan Pereira said the residents have been kept totally in the dark by the Panchayat body. “We are only opposed to the site and not the health centre as the land was donated for the Provedoria. The site in question is low lying and a water catchment area, and is used by farmers during harvesting,” Santan said.
