STRONG TURNOUT: A large number of villagers gather for the Pirna gram sabha, voicing concerns over development plans and the absence of their local MLA.
MAPUSA
In a strong show of discontent, villagers of Pirna have resolved to boycott Tivim MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar from all local functions if he continues to neglect their grievances and abstains from attending gram sabha meetings.
The resolution was passed during a recent gram sabha, where residents expressed frustration over the MLA’s continued absence and failure to address pressing local concerns.
The meeting saw significant opposition to the proposed construction of 15-meter and 25-meter-wide roads in the village.
Villagers decided to scrap these road proposals, expressing fears that the road expansion would mainly benefit outside investors rather than the local community.
A committee of eight members was formed to discuss an alternative bypass road plan with the MLA.
A major point of concern discussed during the meeting was the recent High Court order mandating the demolition of illegal roadside structures.
Over 100 commercial establishments in Pirna have received show-cause notices from the local panchayat, sparking fear among residents about the potential loss of livelihood.
Resident Manoj Parab, who is also the President of Revolutionary Goans Party, questioned the sarpanch about the implications of the court order and criticized the government for failing to protect local businesses. He alleged that the BJP-led government was targeting local enterprises to clear the way for outsiders, particularly Delhi-based investors who have reportedly purchased land in the area.
Pirna Sarpanch Sandeep Tanavade informed the gathering that the panchayat has not yet received any official instructions from the government on safeguarding local businesses.
He also urged Manoj Parab to refrain from bringing political agendas into the gram sabha discussions.
“We are here to address the concerns of the village. The gram sabha is not a platform for promoting any political party and everyone should focus solely on the welfare of Pirna,” Tanavade said.
Meanwhile, the gram sabha passed a resolution prohibiting the conversion of land for private plots exceeding 1,000 square meters, aiming to curb large-scale land grabs.
The sarpanch disclosed that five letters had been sent to the local MLA urging him to attend the gram sabha and engage with the community, but there has been no response.
