Quelossim panchayat throws a spanner in diversion plans

VASCO: In a major blow to the proposed traffic diversion at Cortalin circle, Quelossim Panchayat at the gram sabha on Sunday resolved not to allow movement of traffic through internal roads of the village. The Panchayat will also send a copy of the resolution to the PWD and other relevant authorities. The panchayat also decided to oppose the proposed marina site at Sancoale Bay. At the gram sabha, the decision of the Govt to divert the traffic coming from Panaji to Margao via ferry point and internal roads of Quelossim was opposed.
Social activist and gram sabha member Lopinho Xavier said that the road at Velwaddo is steep and and was difficult to negotiate turns. "There is every chance of an accident and loss of life if so many vehicles are diverted through these roads. Besides there are two weak culverts which won't be able to handle so much traffic. Residents, especially students will not be able to even cross the road with such huge traffic at the internal roads," said Xavier.
The Quelossim panchayat later passed a resolution to oppose the decision of the Govt to divert traffic between Panaji and Margao via internal roads of Quelossim. Another major issue that rocked the gram sabha was the permission cum NOC sought by Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) from the Panchayat tocarry out maintainence work. Gramsabha members said that the pipeline passed through survey no 170/0 which was a part of the land of the Mini India Park that was opposed . Gramsabha members said that it was shocking that maintainence works was being planned in two years time and suspected that the maintainence work could be an excuse to support the mini India park project proponent to fill the Khazan land with mud. Quelossim Panchayat later resolved to ask GAIL to submit details of work including the total area, length and breadth and to have an inspection of the site and issue NOC only after proper confirmation. There were heated discussion over the presence of scrapyards in the area and The Gramsabha resolved the Panchayat should remove both the remaining scrapyards and the expenditures incurred for removal be recovered from the owners of scrapyards. Gramsabha member Lopinho Xavier also pointed out that the revenue collected by the Govt from industries in the area had not been refunded to the Panchayat even as the Panchayat was struggling for funds.The Sarpanch Maria Souza said that she had written letter to the authorities asking for fund but she hadn't recieved any reply. The Gramsabha later resolved to write another letter to the authorities demanding an explanation within 15 days as to why the funds were not given to the Panchayat.
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Resolves to scrap Marina
project at Sancoale Bay
VASCO: The Quelossim panchayat also unanimously resolved to scrap the marina project at Sancoale Bay. Social activist Lopinho Xavier said that the decision for the resolution to scrap the marina Project at Sancoale was because Zuari River also flows through and from Quelossim village. "The pollution created by the Marina project will destroy the biodiversity of the entire Zuari River. The Goa State Biodiversity Board has already submitted its report to the Govt that the Chicalim, Sancoale, Cortalim, Quelossim and further down to the east is fragile and eco sensitive and the only breeding ground for window pane oysters. The Marina cannot be allowed to come up in a bio diversity site and as such we have resolved to scrap the Marina project at Sancoale bay "said Xavier.