the goan I network
MAPUSA
In a rare show of solidarity, locals and the panchayat of Calangute joined hands at the Sunday’s gram sabha to unanimously ban permission to all new construction projects, multiple dwelling units, residential and commercial complexes, hotels etc in the coastal village for indefinite period or until basic facilities such as adequate water and uninterrupted power supply is made available in the village.
Additionally, the villagers also demanded that proper infrastructure be put in place towards garbage and waste management, sanitation, basic internal roads and parking in and around the village.
When Sarpanch, Shawn Martins began to take up proposals for the day, several locals came forward and demanded that the gram sabha first take up the basic issue of irregular water and power supply that has been dogging the village.
Acknowledging the concern of the villagers, the sarpanch agreed to take up the matter on priority.
In fact, three individuals had sent written proposals raising the grave water and power scenario in the village.
Setting the ball rolling, a local, Iona Fernandes said without adequate water and power supply, the government was trampling on the fundamental rights of villagers and demanded unconditional ban on constructions until basic infra was put in place.
“For almost three decades there has been mushrooming constructions in the form of multiple dwelling units, residential and commercial complexes, hotels etc but public resources made available to the villager has remained the same or become worse,” Fernandes said.
“We have received insufficient water supply sometimes only for three hours, badly organised garbage collection and recycling, no proper electricity and a complete lack of system of functioning with regard to public services and utilities,” she added.
Seconding her, Adv Agnel D’Souza said water and electricity has become the biggest casualty in the village and called for drastic steps to resolve the problem.
“On several occasions I approached the PWD JEs and the AE but it appeared that they had no clue of what was the real issue in the coastal belt. Candolim to Calangute is declared as water scarcity zone,” D’Souza said.
Former sarpanch, Joseph Sequeira informed that 24-hour water is supplied to Candolim and specifically to Arradi area.
“Locals residing in Candolim are not getting water but lamanis are getting 24-hour supply,” said Sequeira making it obvious who his target was.
Several locals pointed out that despite bringing it to their attention, PWD officials failed to take timely action on leakages.
Premanand Divkar reminded that a couple of months back Calangute villagers had gathered at the panchayat office and marched to the PWD department in Porvorim and even met the PWD Minister, Sudin Dhavalikar.
“Dhavlikar assured us to release water the very next day but it never materialised. I don’t think we will get adequate supply because PWD and the government have failed us,” Divkar said.
Sarpanch, Shawn Martins concurred with the villagers and agreed not to issue any NOCs to new projects unless water and power issues were addressed by the government.
