OLD GOA
Opposing the inclusion of St Estevam in Tourist Village Development Scheme (TVDS) 2021, the villagers resolved to rescind the resolution adopted to this effect by the previous panchayat.
Speaking on the issue at the gram sabha, on Sunday, a local Joseph Marquis informed that the previous sarpanch Joanita D’Souza had written to the Tourism Department for inclusion in the TVDS.
“However, the decision was taken without taking the villagers into confidence and it came to be knowledge of the villagers only after a RTI reply was obtained,” Marquis informed.
Speaking on the scheme, Marquis informed that the Tourism Department would appoint a third party, which would be given all powers to undertake any tourism activity permitted under the TVDS.
“One such activity involves home stay, which is not clearly defined and it could mean anything, even building resorts,” Marquis said while pointing out the threat it poses to the village.
Later, a resolution was passed to rescind the resolution adopted by the previous panchayat body and to send a copy of the same to the authorities concerned.
The issue of sand extraction in the village was also raised with the villagers objecting to the activity while citing that it is not permitted by the government.
The pachayat was further urged to write to the Old Goa police as well as the Mines Department to act on the sand extraction activity.
The movement of sand laden truck on the weak Tonca bridge was also discussed with the villagers demanding that such trucks should not be allowed on the bridge.
Meanwhile, the Village Development Committee as well as the Biodiversity Management Committee were appointed at the meeting.
The panchayat authorities have assured that other committees like garbage management committee, supervisory committee, etc would be appointed at the next gram sabha.
