MARGAO
In an unprecedented decision against mega housing projects, Curtorkars displayed a banner at the Curtorim gram sabha on Sunday, vehemently opposing mega housing in the village.
They pledged to oppose tooth and nail any mega housing projects thrust upon the village. The members have decided to put up the banners right at the Panchayat ghar and other prominent places across the village.
While the banner has conveyed the sentiments of the villagers that they are opposed to mega projects/multi-dwelling projects in Curtorim, gram sabha members also sent a message loud and clear to the builders and land owners that they will invest in Curtorim at their own risk.
Ex-Curtorim ZP member Moreno Rebello displayed the banner at the gram sabha meeting after the issue on mega housing projects generated much heat. He then asked the members to come and hold the banner if they are against mega housing projects. Members seated in the hall responded to the call and moved forward to hold the banner, conveying their opposition to the mega housing projects.
Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, who was seated in the front row did not respond to the plea to join the people. He, however, conveyed his support to the members, even suggesting that the banners be installed at the Panchayat ghar.
While supporting the movement, Gram sabha member Roque Mascarenhas requested MLA Lourenco to get the building rules amended to stop the mega housing projects.
Earlier, Moreno directed a host of questions to sarpanch Joaquim Estebeiro over the housing project comprising of 26 flats and 16 commercial establishments. Moreno also came face to face with another gram sabha question, as he maintained that insisting on a provision for sewage disposal will not help resolve the sewage and garbage problems thrown up by mega housing projects.
A lady gram sabha member further quoted Goa Pollution Control Board report that mega housing projects do not operate the mandatory provisions relating to treatment of sewage and effluents.
Gram sabha member J Santan Rodrigues demanded the de-notification of the Major District Road passing through the market, saying the proposed MBR serves no purpose.
