Sancoale opposes marina, private forests
THE GOAN NETWORK
CORTALIM
Sancoale gram sabha on Sunday reiterated its opposition to the proposed marina in the Sancoale bay which has been approved in principle by the Investment Promotion Board (IPB).
The issue came up when a gram sabha member Seby Fernandes sought a copy of the resolution by the panchayat opposing the project. Sarpanch Ramakant Borkar directed the panchayat secretary to issue the copy and reminded that the panchayat was with the villagers in opposing the project.
The panchayat also deliberated on the issue of private forests being demarcated in the village.
Borkar while congratulating Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar's stand on private forest also tentatively fixed May 15, for a meeting to highlight the predicaments the villagers would face if private forests are identified in the village.
Borkar also took up the issue of setting up of sluice gate near Sancoale sub-health centre which he said was needed to prevent saline water from entering fields, which led to the perishing of coconut trees along the banks.
Another vexed issue which dominated the gram sabha was the Kala Bhavan - the work on which came to a halt a long time ago. “It's better that the panchayat takes over the Kala Bhavan and completes the remaining work. Recently, miscreants pelted stones on the glass panes of the Bhavan and the place has become notorious for drug addicts,” Borkar said.
Earlier, the gram sabha members were administered oath by the sarpanch on the occasion of 'Gram Uday se Bharat Uday Abhiyan', which is celebrated from April 14 to 24, and coincides with National Panchayati Raj Day.
Only three panchas including the sarpanch attended the meet drawing severe criticism from members.
