the goan I network
VALPOI
Sattari Deputy Collector Mangaldas Gaonkar on Tuesday directed officials to render all services to the four Dhangar families residing in remote Dhangarwada-Golavali, following the absence of the five menfolk who are in custody in connection with the four tiger deaths.
Gaonkar also instructed that special arrangements be made for the school-going children from Wednesday onwards.
Gaonkar along with officials of different departments visited Dhangarwada to take stock of the welfare of the womenfolk and children in the four households, following a memorandum submitted by Thane panchayat members seeking special facilities to the families living in the remote and forested areas.
Among those accompanying Gaonkar included Valpoi Community Health Centre (CHC) Health Officer Dr Gajanan Naik, Sattari Taluka Mamlatdar Anil Rane, Bicholim DySP Gawde, Valpoi Police Inspector Shivram Vaingankar, Civil Supplies Inspector Darshan Arlekar and Dhangar Community President B D Mote.
After interacting with the families, Gaonkar was informed that the children have not been going to school on account of various reasons, including the remote location of their homes which is infested with wild animals.
The deputy collector then directed the Sattari ADEI Bhalchandra Bhave to arrange transport facility for the students, so that they could go to school from Wednesday onwards.
A Valpoi CHC health team had visited Dhangarwada on Monday and provided medical services to the ailing family members and Dr Gajanan Naik said that in another couple of days these services will be continued. The Valpoi police have also deputed a police team on night patrol to ensure safety and security in the area.
Later speaking to reporters, Gaonkar said if these families are willing, they could be temporarily relocated to another area after considering various possibilities.
Regarding food supplies, the deputy collector instructed the civil supplies department to provide extra quota of supplies to the families at their doorstep.
