MAPUSA
Residents of Colvale have raised concerns over vehicles being parked dangerously along the NH66, particularly between Binani and the Colvale bridge, and urged the panchayat to take up the issue with traffic police and highway authorities.
The issue was raised during the gram sabha on Sunday, with villagers pointing out that vehicles parked along the highway were creating a safety hazard for motorists, particularly at night. A villager told the gram sabha that several vehicles were routinely being parked on the roadside along the NH66 stretch from Binani to the Colvale bridge. “These vehicles cause a lot of hardship to motorists who use the highway at night,” the villager said, urging the panchayat to intervene before the situation results in an accident.
The villagers demanded that the panchayat write to the traffic police and the authorities responsible for the national highway, seeking action against vehicle owners who park along the roadside and create an obstruction and safety hazard. Sarpanch Ritesh Varkhandkar acknowledged the concern and assured the gram sabha that the panchayat would write to the local traffic police and the National Highway authorities seeking appropriate action. Meanwhile, the gram sabha also witnessed strong opposition to the proposed construction of a mobile tower on the village football ground. Several residents have objected to the proposal, with some villagers also approaching the High Court challenging the construction. The matter is expected to come up for hearing shortly.
Varkhandkar told the gram sabha that the football ground belonged to the comunidade, while the government had subsequently claimed that the land had been acquired. He also informed the villagers that the licence issued for the football ground had expired and that the ground did not have an occupancy certificate.
“The panchayat has also issued a showcause notice to the telecom company,” Varkhandkar said. The sarpanch's remarks came amid continuing objections from residents over the proposed use of the football ground for the mobile tower.
Action on structures along State roads
The gram sabha also discussed the issue of structures located within 25 metres of State roads.
Varkhandkar said the panchayat had initiated action in accordance with directions issued by the High Court.
The matter was discussed in the context of the directions concerning structures falling within the stipulated road margins, with the panchayat maintaining that action was being taken as required by the court.
