OLD GOA
The Chimbel gram sabha on Sunday unanimously resolved to protect Mhadei river from getting diverted, while opposing the Centre’s nod to Karnataka’s DPR.
A resolution was also adopted to declare tiger reserve in the wildlife areas along Mhadei which will ensure that the river gets protection and its diversion averted.
The government was also urged to prepare Goa’s DPR without any delay and submit the same to the authorities concerned.
Speaking at the gram sabha, a local Govind Shirodkar informed that the government should initiate steps to declare tiger reserve on a priority basis.
“While doing so, it should be ensured that residential areas, cultivable land and private properties are excluded from the tiger reserve,” Shirodkar suggested and informed that the State government should also prepare its own DPR and submit the same to the authorities concerned.
“If these steps are taken, then it would automatically grant protection to the Mhadei river and the State government need not beg with the Centre to stop the river’s diversion,” he added.
When contacted, panch Pravin Chopdecar said the panchayat is backing the demands of the locals as far as Mhadei is concerned and the resolution would be adopted at the fortnightly meeting as well.
Earlier, environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar explained to the villagers about the importance of Mhadei, which he said is the lifeline of Goa and it should be protected at any cost.
Meanwhile, the gram sabha also resolved that the secretary Vinita Naik be transferred from the panchayat for remaining absent at the adjourned gram sabha despite the budget estimates being placed for
discussion.
“Last Sunday, the gram sabha was adjourned and it was decided to hold discussion on Mhadei and the budget estimates. However, the secretary herself went on leave and a substitute secretary was given charge,” a local Ajay Kholkar informed while stating that the expenditure made during last financial year was not shown.
“To approve the budget estimates, it is important to know the expenditure made during the last financial year, including expenditure made during the administrator’s period,” Kholkar informed while stating that it was important for the secretary to remain present.
“However, she preferred to go on leave due to which the villagers unanimously resolved that the secretary be transferred from Chimbel,” Kholkar added.
