Penha de Franca gram sabha discusses road safety, civic upkeep and development issues
Porvorim
Issues related to abandoned vehicles along roads, new jetties, potholes, and stray dogs were discussed at the Penha de Franca gram sabha held on Sunday. Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar welcomed the villagers, and panchayat secretary Rupesh Halarnkar read out the minutes of the previous gram sabha.
Villager Oswald Pinto asked what action had been taken regarding abandoned vehicles, new jetties, potholes, and stray dogs. The sarpanch informed that the panchayat has already prepared a list of abandoned vehicles and submitted it to the Collector and the Porvorim Police Inspector, but no action has been taken so far.
When Pinto said he was willing to take the matter to the High Court, the sarpanch requested 15 days to follow up with the concerned authorities. He stated that if no progress is made within that period, Pinto may proceed with his plan to approach the High Court.
Regarding the jetties at Brittona, the sarpanch clarified that the panchayat has not granted permission for new jetties. He said the panchayat has decided not to issue fresh permissions to avoid traffic congestion. The existing jetties belong to local residents, he added.
On potholes, the sarpanch said that the Public Works Department has already repaired many potholes on internal roads and the remaining will be filled soon.
On stray dogs, he said the panchayat has engaged an agency to sterilise dogs. However, after sterilisation, the dogs are released back to the same areas. The panchayat has written to the Animal Husbandry Department seeking further support. Villagers also requested an increase in the F.A.R. for residential buildings, stating that Porvorim has now developed into a town. The sarpanch said the panchayat will write to the concerned authorities on this matter.
Villagers further urged the panchayat to clear roadside bushes, clean nallahs and drains to prevent the spread of diseases, and install speed breakers at important points.
