VASCO
Chicalim panchayat on Sunday resolved in its gram sabha meeting to oppose the diversion of water from Mhadei river with Sarpanch Kamla Prasad Yadav stating that Mhadei is the lifeline of Goa.
The gram sabha also discussed various other issues including the sewerage system with people demanding the setting up of a sewage pumping station.
Social activist Pratap Mardolkar said that the future of Goa was at stake if the water of Mhadei river was diverted.
“We all have to unite and join hands to protect Mhadei river because we have our sentiment attached to it. The other issue which I have been raising for the last 10 years is sewerage that flows from the hillock to the houses located below and that with good planning a sewage pumping station be set up,” said Mardolkar.
Capt Viriato Fernandes condemned the statement made by Home Minister Amit Shah that Goa and Karnataka government jointly decided on the diversions of water to Karnataka. “The people of North Goa, especially Sattari taluka will be finished if the water is diverted and we have taken a resolution to oppose the diversion and DPR approval,” Capt Fernandes said.
Capt Fernandes said the other major issue discussed at the gram sabha was filing of the minutes that were changed. “We had raised objections after some minutes were manipulated as per their needs and we got it to the notice of the chair that these minutes have to be deleted as it this is related to legal cases.”
“We have also said that while we want a sewage treatment plant, it cannot be at any location wanted by the panchayat because Chicalim is an ancient village with caves leading back to thousands of years. We have asked the panchayat to take the people in confidence before setting up of the sewage treatment plant,” he said.
Chicalim Parish Priest and social activist Fr Bolmax Pereira echoed similar sentiments on Mhadei river diversion.
Chicalim Sarpanch Kamla Prasad Yadav said that the Mhadei river was the lifeline of Goa. “The entire Goa is fighting for Mhadei and we also need the water of Mhadei and we have resolved to oppose the diversions of the Mhadei water and we will send it to the government soon.”
“Issues of sewerage was also discussed as many people discharge the water from soak pit into the gutters,” said Yadav.
