MARGAO
The gram sabha of Nuvem panchayat on Sunday resolved not to have 5G mobile towers installed in its jurisdiction citing the health risk of radiation.
At the gram sabha meeting chaired by sarpanch Freda D’Sa, member Carmelito Andrade proposed a resolution to stop and prevent the installation of any new 5G towers in the future (this included both 5G and feeder towers).
He explained the health risk of EMF radiation caused by 5G towers, based on a published IEEE paper. The resolution was later unanimously adopted.
The sarpanch placed an official gazette to fix garbage tax for households which it specifies as Rs 75 per household each month. During discussions, some of the members suggested reducing the rate from Rs 75 to Rs 50.
The sarpanch also asked whether the educational institutions and religious places shall be exempted as it was decided by panchayat. The gram sabha, however, suggested a specified fee to be charged for such institutions.
A couple of members suggested that the points mentioned in the gazette be discussed in detail with the Panchayat Garbage Committee, before bringing the matter to the next meeting.
The de-silting of the river Sal also figured at the meeting. Member Marian D’Costa pointed out that the de-silting has not been carried out properly. He said there are still bottle-necks where silt is not removed and that more silt needs to be removed from the centre of the river when compared to the side making a ‘U’ shape.
He pointed out that citizens including Jose Roque Andrade, and a couple of bundh owners have already written letters and spoken to WRD engineers. He has expressed concern trees/bushes have been uprooted, instead of being cut with a chain saw at half a metre height, so that they regrow in the rainy season, preventing erosion of mud in the river.
The sarpanch assured the members that she would write to the Water Resources Department making a mention of the concerns expressed.
Gram Sabha member Zarina Da Cunha asked about the unutilized funds mentioned and also suggested that these not only be used for the construction/concrete-related work but also by other committees which are related to climate change and keeping Nuvem clean.
Gram Sabha member Everson Valles also pointed out a high court order to remove all hoardings at the side of the highways and suggested the panchayat needs to look into the matter. He also mentioned that hoardings, when replaced, the plastic is torn off by the workers who come to replace the advertisement, and this plastic is left in the paddy field or burnt.
