Members seek moratorium on multi-family housing projects
Gram sabha member Zarina Da Cunha making a point at the Nuvem gram sabha on Sunday.
MARGAO
The contentious issue of carrying capacity of Nuvem village took the centre stage at the Sunday gram sabha after members pointed out that the village infrastructure, including water, roads, etc has come under severe strain because of multi-housing complexes and concretisation.
The gram sabha discussed a proposal to put a moratorium on building of multi-family complex (building with flats/row houses) in Nuvem village, till the government provides/ defines the carrying capacity of Nuvem village.
Gram sabha member Jose Roque Andrade set the ball rolling at the meeting chaired by Sarpanch Freda D’Sa, when he explained the impact of development and carrying capacity with examples. He said the carrying capacity is already exhausted, raising concerns that nothing will remain for future generation. Gram sabha members Carmelito Andrade and Zarina D’Cunha also participated in the discussion.
After the gram sabha deliberated on the issue for about 20 minutes, Carmelito Andrade proposed a resolution to put a moratorium on building of multi-family complex (building with flats/row houses) in Nuvem village, till the government provides/ defines the carrying capacity of Nuvem village. Sarpanch agreed and mentioned she would take this up with the government authorities at the earliest. Andrade later told the media that the resolution was unanimously passed by the gram sabha member, which was seconded by Zarina D’Cunha and supported by other gram sabha members.
Gram sabha member Zarina D’Cunha raised environment/ biodiversity issues in Nuvem village caused by road side structures and land filling of low line areas (flood plains of River Sal) by pointing out the new road side construction taking place just next to the Nuvem underpass.
The gram sabha members told the media that the sarpanch has assured that the panchayat would write to the Highway authority about the same.
Zarina also said the whole of Goa including, Nuvem village is in need of proper planning, the carrying capacity which is already exhausted, is causing harmful effect on the environment.
Earlier, the Panchayat Secretary read the minutes of the previous gram sabha.
The approval of the annual account for the Financial Year 2024-25 was passed with some deliberations. The gram sabha approved the administrative report for the year 2024-25.
Members also raised the issue with respect to the functioning of traffic signals near Honda showroom (Goa Rajee Showroom), the sarpanch read the proposal and said necessary action will be taken.
