the goan I network
MAPUSA
Giving thumbs up to a proposal of locals to set up a mini fire station in Siolim-Marna, Water Resources Minister and Siolim MLA, Vinoda Paliencar on Thursday said the government could consider the initiative provided adequate land was identified by the villagers.
He also made a strong case for building a bus-stand for the village.
"We can definitely explore the idea of setting up of a mini fire station in Siolim-Marna. But for that to materialise, we need to have enough land," Paliencar told The Goan.
When informed that the locals had suggested setting up a mini fire station in the land housing the Siolim Police outpost, he said, "Why not? If enough land is available to build the fire station, we can definitely look into it."
The minister also said Siolim constituency needed the facility of a bus-stand and he wanted to give a serious thought to the plan.
"I feel Siolim needs a good bus-stand as well. But before taking any decision, I want to take the views of the locals," he said.
It may be recalled that former minister and local MLA, Dayanand Mandrekar had planned to set up a fire station at Dando-Siolim, but couldn't go ahead with the project due to public opposition.
Sources informed that the former minister had got the project passed through the water resource department.
In last Sunday's gram sabha, a local, Gregory D'Souza had proposed setting up of a mini fire station in the village. The gram sabha had unanimously given a green signal to the project and it was decided that the panchayat would write to all departments concerned on the issue.
"Our village has become ru-urban. There are many guest houses in Siolim and most buildings here are not fire proof," D'Souza said.
He said besides taking care of Siolim, which comprises three panchayats, the neighbouring villages will also stand to benefit from the mini fire station.
"Besides, the fire station will also generate jobs," he added.
