MARGAO
The Betalbatim gram sabha on Sunday discussed a host of issues, including housing projects, solar-powered CCTV cameras and AI-enabled cameras.
At the meeting chaired by Sarpanch Anthony Fernandes, members discussed the issue of CCTV cameras, with some demanding to know the number of cameras installed by the panchayat till date.
The sarpanch replied that the panchayat had so far installed 12 CCTV cameras at various locations, primarily to monitor garbage dumping. He said that although the panchayat had plans to install additional CCTV cameras, it could not go ahead with the plan for want of electricity connections.
After much discussion, members proposed that the panchayat install solar-powered CCTV cameras, a suggestion accepted by the panchayat.
Members also questioned the status of the Panchayat Ghar project, saying the matter had been pending for some time. The sarpanch replied that the panchayat had been following up with the authorities on the commencement of work on the project.
On the AI-enabled cameras, some members narrated the inconvenience faced by villagers visiting the church during special occasions. A member later told the media that people going to the church for feast masses and other occasions would now have to wear suits, boots and helmets. “If hundreds of people come for the mass wearing helmets, there may not be enough space to store them,” he added.
