the goan I network
PONDA
A political jugalbandi of sorts was witnessed between the outnumbered supporters of Priol MLA Govind Gawade and Minister for PWD Sudin Dhavalikar on Sunday at Bhutkhamb-Keri, while laying the foundation stone for the construction of two water tanks of 800 cubic meter at Bhutkhamb-Keri and commissioning of water pipeline at Karmale Keri.
Gawade, who is also the Minister for Art and Culture, and Dhavalikar shared the dais for the launching of developmental works in Gawade’s constituency on Sunday. However, supporters of Gawade armed with percussion instruments tried to disturb Dhavalikar during his speech shouting slogans of “Govind Gawade chaa vijay aso”.
Whenever Gawade’s supporters shouted slogans, MGP leader Dhavalikar was forced to pause, resuming again once they settled down. When his supporters tried to shout slogans in his name in return, Dhavalikar asked them to cease. And it was not just the menfolk, but the women elected representatives present on the stage who also tried to defend their bosses by leveling allegations against their rivals.
Keri Sarpanch Anisha Gaude said that for the last eight years, people were deprived of water. But MLA Govind Gawade fulfilled his promises within one year. “We are thankful to him for his quick response,” she said.
To this, Betki-Khandola ZP Babita Gaonkar countered that the process of these works was started in 2014 (during the term of Deepak Dhavalikar as MLA). “Land acquisition process was delayed. Hence this work started late. The credit of this work goes to Deepak Dhavalikar.” Gaonkar said.
PWD Superintendent Engineer Vallabh Velingkar and assistant engineer Nivruti Parsekar were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Gawade said that he will not tolerate any type of politics in regards to developmental works.
“When I started working to provide water to locals, engineers were transferred. But don’t worry, I will fulfill the promises I made in my manifesto. My dream is to make this area water tanker free and I will do it.” he said.
“This process was done during my tenure. The one who failed to perform and deliver has been sent home by the voters.” Gawade added in an apparent jibe at former MLA Deepak Dhavalikar.
He also lamented that the name of Keri Sarpanch Anisha Gawade was not carved on the plaque.
“Don’t create hurdles in my developmental works.” Gawade said while concluding his speech.
Referring to the allegation made by Sarpanch Anisha Gawade that the area has been deprived of water for the last eight years, Dhavalikar said, “Why stress on the last eight years when there was a water problem in this area since Liberation. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had expressed his dream in 2004 to provide 24 hours water. Though it looks like difficult, we can’t seat idle. We have to make efforts and we are doing it.”
“27 MLD water treatment plant at Opa is under completion. Once it is commissioned, the water problem of Tiswadi and Ponda will be resolved. Even the proposed 25 MLD WTP at Ganje Usgao will resolve the water problems faced by Savoi-Verem, Volvoi and Keri. Work of this project couldn’t start due to land acquisition problem, but it will start next month.” the PWD minister informed.
Adding that his government is working for the betterment of the people and hence would not deprive anyone of potable water, he said, “I know my responsibility and I am working on those lines.”
