PERNEM
Unhappy over the declaration of the Morjim-Mandrem coast as a silent zone on account of turtle nesting sites, panchayats in Morjim and Mandrem have instead demanded that this coastal area be designated as an entertainment zone in view of the growing tourism businesses in the area.
The panchayats put forth this request to Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai during his interaction with locals as part of the Panchayat Chalo Abhiyan initiative in Mandrem. Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar and other officials were also present.
Mandrem Panch Kiran Sawant said tourism businesses had been hampered with the ‘silent zone’ status at the beaches in Mandrem, Ashvem, and Morjim. In his reply, Phal Dessai said he has discussed the issue with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and he would be discussing it further with union ministers.
Morjim Sarpanch Mukesh Gadekar appealed for the sanction of the pending applications for the Atal Asra Yojana in Morjim village. While highlighting the issue of footways, Gadekar said the main roads at Morjim should be demarcated by the PWD as there are encroachments on both sides of the roads with stalls and other illegal constructions. “If roads are demarcated by the PWD, the Panchayat can act against these illegal constructions,” said Gadekar. He also pointed out that vehicles parked in the no-parking zone cause a nuisance and the Traffic Department should take action against them.
Panch member Bala, alias Prashant Naik, demanded the repair of internal roads in Mandrem constituency and demanded the repair of a gutter on the main road at Bodko Dhenu to Madhalamaj-Mandrem.
Phal Dessai clarified that ministers and MLAs are visiting people not because Lok Sabha elections are approaching, but because the BJP government is in touch with the people round the year. He assured that efforts would be made to resolve 30% of the issues highlighted in the meeting and instructed officers concerned to resolve issues pertaining to water, electricity, and roads.
MLA Jit Arolkar said the issue of water scarcity would be resolved with the construction and commissioning of the new 30 MLD water treatment plant.
