MARGAO
The Velim gram sabha on Sunday resolved to approach the government authorities, including the Town and Country Planning department for the de-notification of a Major District Road (MDR) proposed in a densely populated area.
The issued took the centre stage at the gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Veena Cardozo on Sunday as members highlighted the hardships by the residents of Cumbheabhat, Baradi because of the notified MDR road passing through these areas.
Members pointed out that though the gram sabha had in the past proposed de-notification of the MRD road, the ground reality has not changed on the ground till date.
In the absence of the de-notification of the MDR, local residents have pointed out that hordes of tourists visiting Cabo de Rama and other tourists spots down South travel with the help of Google ply on the narrow internal road resulting in accidents.
They further raised fears that scores of residential houses will go for demolition in the event the government goes for expansion of the narrow road to meet the MDR specification.
After the meeting, Sarpanch Veena Cardozo told the media that the panchayat would immediately write to the government, including the TCP for the de-notification of the MDR road at the earliest. She said Velim MLA Cruz Silva, who attended the gram sabha has also promised to take up the issue with the government.
The Velim MLA later told the media that the MRD road passing through the densely populated areas of Cumbhebhat and Baradi has been hanging fire for over a decade now. He said though the Velim panchayat had recommended to the TCP to de-notify the MRD road in the Regional Plan, the situation has not changed till date.
Meanwhile, the gram sabha discussed the issue of a mega housing project proposed in the village. Sarpanch Veena explained that the panchayat had rejected the permission for the proposed housing project, but added that the promoter has obtained the permission from higher authority, adding that the Panchayat would challenge the decision in a higher forum.
