Outcry over petro outlet, sewage plant at Bandora

the goan I network
PONDA

The gram sabha presided by sarpanch Ramchandra Naik was attended by all the panchas. Panchayat secretary Kushali Halarnkar was also present.
Expressing the fear about the petroleum outlet, Manoj Bandodkar said the process to grant approval to the fuel station was undertaken keeping the locals in the dark. The Sarpanch said the panchayat was also not taken into confidence regarding this project.
The locals said there are educational institutes, hospital and a temple in the vicinity of the proposed petroleum outlet, which could be affected in the event of any incident. After a discussion on the issue, it was finally resolved to oppose the outlet.
Referring to the reply of PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar in the Assembly that sewerage work will be completed within one year, the locals at the gram sabha reiterated their opposition to STP at Undir-Bandora.
Replying to Ponda MLA Ravi Naik, Dhavalikar had said that the plant will be completed within one year.
While opposing the sewage plant project, the locals said that Ward 6 (Undir) aside, they don't want the STP anywhere in the entire panchayat jurisdiction.
Noisy scenes prevailed over the issue after the panchayat secretary asked for a show of hands in favour the resolution. However, the group opposing the STP shouted in unison that "no one was in favour of the STP". People who were seated in the back rows were reportedly not in favour of the resolution.
Noting this, stage artiste Ajeet Kerkar said that the resolution can't be called as unanimously passed, rather "by majority".
"Every person should discuss the issue with their panchas before deciding on the matter. The silent attendees (who did not raise hands) are not aware what exactly is happening," he said.
Later, rather than adopting a resolution, it was decided to write a letter to the chief minister's office, PWD and other offices apprising them of the issue.
According to the villagers, official procedure was not maintained while granting approval.
Vijesh Naik raised the issue of parked vehicles along the roadsides in front of Sanatan Sanstha at Ramnathi. The sarpanch said that Sanatan Sanstha was verbally instructed to avoid such parking, and assured to take necessary action if it continues.