the goan I network
MARGAO
The development of plots on agricultural land at Mullem locality figured prominently at the gram sabha of Paroda panchayat on Sunday.
The meeting chaired by Sarpanch Inacio Pereira saw members led by Gabriel Fernandes raising the point of the reported development of plots for housing in the Mullem area of the village. Gabriel drew attention of the gram sabha that the panchayat should intervene in the matter and save the agricultural land from being used for housing.
He pointed out that already housing structures have come on the hillock in the area, asserting that any permission for development on the agricultural land in question for the purpose of housing will destroy the green cover. “Already, we have information that land earmarked for agriculture has been converted for housing. This should stop immediately,” he demanded, while saying that complaints to this effect have been lodged with the TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, District Collector, South, and other authorities.
The gram sabha also discussed at length the contentious issue of crematorium when certain people have contended that the same should be used only for the residents of the village.
The gram sabha also discussed at length the audit report, wherein members demanded that the panchayat comply with the audit recommendations. The budget estimates for the financial year 2018-19 were later approved by the gram sabha.
Gabriel later told the media that if the development of plots is allowed, then there will be unplanned development in the locality and there will be no agriculture land for agricultural purpose in future.
He said the villagers
will have no option but to knock the doors of the appropriate court to save the agricultural land.
