BOX below Illegal activities concern Penha-da-Franca locals
the goan network
MAPUSA
Residents of Penha-da-Franca expressed anguish on the rise in illegal activities in the village at the gram sabha on Sunday. Ganpat Sidye informed that some people allow waste water to flow into village nullahs and gutters. The sarpanch assured to write to the health department and other concerned departments.
A member pointed to illegal gaddas (stalls) sprouting at various places. “Apart from being illegal, these gaddas obstruct smooth flow of traffic,” the member said. Sarpanch Safar Fadte promised action in this issue.
Another member highlighted an illegal construction of Golden Heritage, a jetty at Betim.
“Although the operation will take place in the river the boarding will take place from panchayat land and the owners need to take permission of the local body,” the member said.
A resident of Malimwaddo-Britona said a hotel in the neighbourhood keep her and her aged husband awake all night with continuous noise by the kitchen staff and vehicles arriving and departing.
On the issue of various government schemes, the sarpanch said each ward member will be told to explain about the schemes to people, besides a list of schemes would be displayed at various public places.
The sarpanch failed to provide a reply to a query on whether any development work was carried out in the village. The sarpanch also failed to answer if there were any future development plans.
Local MLA, Rohan Khaunte was also present for the meeting. Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte said illegalities was the biggest threat in the village and called on the people to be vigilant to curb illegal activities. He also goaded the panchayat to work towards becoming self-reliant and provide prompt service to the people. Every ward member should be accountable and the panchayat should take up public issues throughout the year, he further said. The locals appreciated the effort taken by their MLA to provide relief and other development works in Porvorim, despite an uncooperative government.
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BOX
Locals need to be vigilant: Khaunte
“Today, illegality is the biggest problem in the village. There is no point in playing the blame game. People should be vigilant and bring any illegality to the attention of the panchayat,” said Khaunte, while addressing the Penda-da-Franca gram sabha on Sunday.
He acknowledged that the panchayat had failed to take up any developmental work in the village and held the local body responsible for the state of affairs.
He also blamed the State government for its failure to provide funds to the local self-governing bodies. “This government has Rs 100 crore to concretize the Miramar road, but cannot provide Rs 50 lakh to construct a drain in Penha-da-Franca,” he said.
