Sarpanch Swapnil Chodanker addressing the gram sabha.
PORVORIM
Several civic concerns, including stray dogs, large-scale construction activities, desilting of gutters, and the need for performance guarantees from contractors, were discussed at the gram sabha of Penha de Franca held in Porvorim on Sunday.
Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar welcomed the gathering, following which Panchayat Secretary Rupesh Halarnkar presented the minutes of the previous Gram Sabha meeting held on February 1, 2026.
Villagers expressed concern over the rapid pace of construction in Porvorim, stating that the area is gradually turning into a “concrete jungle.” They pointed out that while trees are being cut for development, there is little effort to plant new ones.
Resident Ganpat Sidhye highlighted that under the Forest Act, developers are required to plant trees to compensate for those cut down. He suggested that the panchayat should earmark open spaces and direct developers to undertake plantation drives there, potentially developing such areas into a botanical garden.
Villagers also raised issues about construction sites being enclosed with tall metal barricades, preventing public visibility. They demanded that the panchayat restrict barricade heights to 1.5 metres and make it mandatory for contractors to display approved construction plans at project sites for public awareness.
Ganpat Sidhye questioned whether the panchayat obtains performance guarantees from contractors before awarding projects. When the Sarpanch responded that it does not, Sidhye recommended that such guarantees be made compulsory to ensure accountability and quality of work.
With the monsoon approaching, resident Agnelo Pereira urged the panchayat to take up immediate desilting of gutters and nullahs to prevent flooding and waterlogging.
Addressing concerns about stray dogs, Sarpanch Chodankar informed that the panchayat has reached out to several NGOs for assistance, but none have responded positively so far.
Villagers sought clarification on whether local residents would get employment opportunities in the upcoming Town Square project near the service road. The Sarpanch stated that as it is a Central Government project, the panchayat does not have information regarding job provisions. Deputy Sarpanch Deepali Vernekar proposed the vote of thanks.
