Locals fear loss of livelihood
MARGAO
The gram sabha of the Cavelossim Village Panchayat on Sunday saw local tourist taxi operators raise concerns over hotels and resorts using their own taxis to transport guests, saying this could harm their livelihoods.
At the meeting, chaired by Sarpanch Dixon Vaz, the operators urged the panchayat to take up the matter with hotel and resort managements in Cavelossim. They also requested the Sarpanch to call an urgent meeting with hotel representatives to resolve the issue.
Speaking to the media later, Vaz said the move by hotels could affect local taxi operators. He noted that many hotels and resorts along the beach belt were set up with support from locals, along with assurances of jobs and self-employment opportunities for local youth.
The issue of private jetties operating from Mobor was also raised again, with members demanding action against those allegedly discharging oil and paint into the River Sal.
Members also discussed the recent decision of the Town and Country Planning Department to revert over one lakh square metres of land to a no-development zone. The Sarpanch said the panchayat would write to the department seeking clarity.
Meanwhile, Vaz said the panchayat has approved a surplus budget for the new financial year. He added that development works worth over Rs 2 crore have been carried out in the last three years, and the new budget includes provisions for disaster management, including assistance for house repairs.
