the goan I network
MAPUSA
Accusing the panchayat of failing to control the growing number of building projects coming up in Tivim, a local, Arun Shinde questioned whether the village had adequate infrastructure to manage garbage generated by the people residing in the high-rise buildings.
“The panchayat has issued a number of licences for new constructions in the village. There are many commercial projects coming up in some areas. Do you have proper infrastructure in place to collect and treat the garbage generated by those who stay in these buildings,” Shinde questioned.
He further said that with the influx of people, after some time, the village will also face problems of power and water supply.
“Local villagers will have to face the brunt because of the new people who come to reside in these buildings. Have our panchayat members thought about the future of the village,” he questioned further.
Sarpanch, Shivdas Kambli said, “Many times we stopped such high-rise projects, but when the proponents of the projects approach the Directorate of Panchayats, they are given the licenses. We are helpless,” Kambli said.
Shinde argued that the panchayat had powers to refuse occupancy certificate when the project was complete.
“We have no problem if limited number of buildings come up in the village. But these buildings have to set up their own garbage disposal mechanism within its campus. It must have adequate parking and other crucial infrastructure in place so that the villagers are not inconvenienced later,” Shinde said.
Shinde also questioned how the panchayat collects sopo from vendors when Tivim did not have a proper market.
“Do you collect sopo from people who sit on the side of the road and do business? If not, how do you justify Rs 1 lakh income from commercial tax as proposed in the budget for 2017-18,” he asked.
He further disclosed that the sopo contractor allowed migrants to sit by the road side and collects sopo.
The sarpanch said the panchayat had not given any permission to anyone to sit on the roadside. Subhash Kauthankar also brought to the attention of the sarpanch about people sitting with vegetables by the roadside.
A local pointed out to dangers posed by an electricity pole which was on the middle of the road opposite the Hyundai showroom in Tivim. He said it has to be removed before mishaps happen. Another gram sabha member pointed to mushrooming of illegal constructions in the fields and the panchayat’s inaction.
The revised budget for 2016-17 and new budget for financial year 2017-18 was passed.
