MARGAO
The Seraulim gram sabha on Sunday raised concerns over the village’s carrying capacity, water supply, flooding, development and environmental issues.
Gram sabha member Kevin D’Souza sought to know the panchayat’s long-term plan to ensure 24x7 safe drinking water and whether water quality in village wells, ponds and creeks had been tested. Members also sought measures to prevent pollution of Vodlem Tollem and other water bodies.
Members questioned action taken on a previous resolution seeking removal of debris from underneath the Western Bypass and sought a permanent solution to flooding of the railway underpass during the monsoons.
On development, members sought to know whether a carrying-capacity study covering water, roads, sewage and electricity had been conducted. Kevin also sought details of new multi-dwelling and commercial projects approved in the last three years.
Members raised concerns over the protection of agricultural land and khazan ecosystems, asking whether traditional access paths to fields were mapped and protected from encroachment. Kevin also sought details on sluice gate modernisation and maintenance, pointing out that the Pogdia Fond creek was overgrown with grass and creepers.
The gram sabha also discussed waste management and sought details of households registered for garbage collection.
Members further demanded to know the status and expected completion date of the Panchayat Ghar project.
