The government’s move to nationalise the state rivers came in for strong opposition from the gram sabha of Assolna village panchayat on Sunday.
At the meeting chaired by sarpanch Pedrina Cardozo, gram sabha members supported the resolution tabled by panch member Peter Crasto demanding the scrapping of the proposal to nationalise the state rivers.
During discussions, members pointed out that nationalisation of the rivers will take away the rights of the traditional fishermen eking a living on the marine resources of rivers like River Sal. Members also raised apprehension that nationalisation of the rivers will destroy the rich marine resources and habitat of fish species found in the state's rivers.
In another decision, the gram sabha was told that the panchayat would write to the government over the utilisation of the balance amount pertaining to the golden jubilee funds allotted to the panchayat bodies.
The gram sabha was told that the panchayat has spent around five-odd lakh rupees on the illumination of ward roads under the golden jubilee fund, adding that the panchayat would now write to the government seeking permission to utilise the balance fund on beautification and illumination.
The burning garbage issue also figured at the gram sabha meeting, with members demanding to know the functioning of the garbage management committee and steps initiated by the panchayat to solve the problem. The gram sabha was told that the garbage management committee will meet in the first week of November and will take cognisance of the garbage issue plaguing the village.
