MARGAO
The first gram sabha of the Nuvem panchayat on Sunday strongly objected to the proposed garbage treatment plant at the Verna plateau.
The gram sabha chaired by sarpanch Frida D’Sa saw members expressing concern that the garbage treatment plant, if implemented, will pollute river Sal flowing through Verna and Nuvem.
Members pointed out that the setting up of many units at the Verna industrial estate has polluted the underground water, which flows into the river Sal. A garbage plant on the plateau, if it becomes a reality, will degrade the water table, springs and the river Sal, members feared, saying the polluted water flowing in the river will contaminate the underground water in the villages along the river course.
Nuvem along with the neighbouring villages have been consistent in their opposition to the setting up of the garbage management plant on the Verna plateau.
Some of the members demanded a stop to the unscrupulous elements throwing garbage and broken bottles on roadsides and in water bodies. In this context, a suggestion was made that environment lovers will take photos and submit them to the panchayat to initiate action against the violators.
The gram sabha constituted various panchayat committees, including the Biodiversity Management Committee. The Biodiversity Management Committee comprised Jose Roque Andrade as Chairman and members, Antoneta Martins, Fillipa Barreto, Carmelito Andrade, Zarina da Cunha, Cajetan Barretto, besides Sunita Desai, panchayat secretary as BMC Secretary.
BMC Chairman Jose Roque Andrade explained the functions of the biodiversity panel and how the BMC members and panchayat ward members should contribute to BMC.
He said the PBR is open for continuous input regarding biodiversity and appealed to the gram sabha members to provide the input.
The annual account for the financial year 2021-22 was read by the secretary and approved after discussion. The Administrative Report for the financial year 2021-22 was read by Secretary and approved after discussions.
