Panaji: Cavelossim gram sabha on Sunday turned stormy over panchayat's failure to act against the alleged illegal road construction in the no development zone by ex Indian cricketer Ashish Nehra.
The villagers slammed the panchayat body for failing to act, while the Sarpanch defended his action stating that the role of panchayat is limited in violations related to CRZ regulations.
Sarpanch Dixon Vaz informed the villagers that the matter is handled by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, who is a competent authority to deal with CRZ violations. He said that the panchayat can impose a fine upto Rs 25k on the offender but GCZMA with take more stringent action.
Further, the villagers noted how the beach access to locals have been obstructed or denied. Many locals complained about illegal hawkers operating in the area, problems with garbage collection, and poor road conditions.
Residents also brought up ongoing problems with electricity and water supply, highlighting their frustrations with these essential services.
The police intervention had to be sought to bring the tensed situation under control
