OLD GOA
Despite low attendance, the extraordinary Gram Sabha of Azossim-Mandur panchayat has resolved not to shift the bus stop at Tinto as directed by the Deputy Collector, PWD and the Traffic Department.
Though not too many people remained present for the meeting held on Monday, those who attended resolved not to shift the bus stop.
The extraordinary meeting was convened by the Mandur panchayat as the people had demanded at the last Gram Sabha that such a meeting should be conducted in the presence of the authorities which gave such directions.
However, Sarpanch Prashant Naik informed that despite sending notices to the Deputy Collector, PWD and Traffic Department to remain present for the meeting, they did not attend.
Villagers present at the meeting said the bus stop existed for decades and there was no need to shift it.
“The bus stop does not create any hindrance and not a single accident has taken place because of it. If anybody thinks that the bus stop is a hindrance then they should remove all the other hindrances that are located along the Major District Road from Pilar to Old Goa,” one of the locals stated.
When pointed out that he could face legal issues if the panchayat does not adhere to the order, Naik said he would seek legal opinion in the matter.
On the lack of attendance, Naik said, “Since today was a Monday, not too many villagers attended the same.”
When contacted, former sarpanch Ajit Bacal expressed surprise over convening the extraordinary Gram Sabha on a weekday.
“Why would people come on a weekday? It should have been either held on Saturday or Sunday when people are at home,” Bacal added while questioning whether any awareness was done by the panchayat authorities.
