MARGAO
The gram sabha of Sarzora panchayat on Sunday opposed plans by the National Highways to take the proposed NH-17 bypass cutting through the low lying fields in the village.
At the grams sabha chaired by Sarpanch Sabita Mascarenhas, members pointed out that since the National Highways has already acquired land for the widening of the highway passing through Dandeavaddo-Chinchinim, it should be expanded along the existing route.
Members maintained that the proposed bypass would affect a number of houses in Sarzora village. They wondered why the National Highways is going for the bypass when the government had already acquired land for the expansion of the NH-17 via Dandeavaddo.
Sarpanch Sabita said the resolution adopted by the gram sabha would be forwarded to the government for necessary action.
In the meantime, agitated gram sabha members demanded the amendment to the Goa Panchayati Raj Act to make it mandatory for the panch members to attend the gram sabha, with a provision which states panchas not attending three consecutive gram sabhas will be liable for disqualification. They pointed out that the disqualification provision should be extended to the gram sabha meetings as well.
Gram sabha members also derided the panchayat for returning the unutilised golden jubilee funds back to the government. Sarpanch explained that the panchayat secretary has issued the cheque to the government after he was threatened with disciplinary action by the BDO office.
