the goan I network
MAPUSA
Fixing the onus of including Parra in the PDA on the government, Parra Sarpanch Delilah Lobo on Sunday said the panchayat was not taken into confidence about the plan.
“The panchayat…sarpanch and the ward members didn’t put Parra into the PDA. It’s been done by the government of Goa,” Delilah Lobo said at the gram sabha.
The sarpanch was responding to former Parra sarpanch, Benedict D’Souza who questioned whether there was a need to include Parra in PDA and what was the urgency for doing so.
She told the villagers that a meeting has been arranged on March 4 at 10 am below the panchayat office where officials of the NGPDA will be present.
“We are not technical people to tell you what exactly is PDA and how it will affect the villagers. I have requested the member secretary of the NGPDA and the chairman to explain to the people what are the benefits and drawbacks of including Parra in PDA,” she said.
“You have already declared to include Parra village in the PDA without taking people’s views and now you want us to come for the public meeting?” D’Souza questioned.
The sarpanch, however, put her foot down stating that the panchayat was not responsible for the government’s decision to include Parra in
the PDA.
“We didn’t declare. The panchayat sarpanch and the panch members have not declared (to include Parra in PDA),” said Lobo, who is incidentally the wife of Calangute MLA and NGPDA chairman Michael Lobo.
Another gram sabha member, Agnel Dias also expressed his apprehension over the decision.
“After the March 4 public meeting, we should have a special gram sabha to discuss the issue. Our approval is required for inclusion of the village in the PDA,” Dias said.
Bowing to people’s wishes, the sarpanch and the panchayat secretary agreed to hold a special gram sabha on the issue.
It may be recalled villagers of Santa Cruz have strongly opposed the inclusion of their village in Greater Panaji PDA.
The local MLA, Antonio Fernandes, who was appointed on the planning board has also resigned as its member under public pressure.
