MAPUSA
Siolim villagers have decided to launch a large-scale signature campaign demanding a carrying capacity study for the village and take their demand directly to the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Department of Drinking Water (DDW), accusing the authorities of allowing construction projects without assessing the pressure on basic infrastructure.
The decision comes amid growing resentment among residents over irregular electricity and water supply, which they attribute to the unchecked approval of building projects.
Several villagers expressed concern over the administration and panchayat’s failure to initiate the study despite repeated demands at gram sabha meetings.
“We have been discussing the need for a carrying capacity study and its impact on the village for nearly three gram sabha meetings now. But beyond discussions, we are not getting anywhere,” said Siolim resident Anastasio Fernandes.
Joaquim Barros said replies to RTI applications filed with the PWD and DDW revealed that neither department had conducted a carrying capacity study.
“Without studying the carrying capacity, these departments are issuing permissions for building projects right, left and centre. It is we residents who suffer from irregular power and water supply,” Barros said, warning that villagers would take their signature campaign to the concerned departments to press for action.
Gregory D’Souza blamed the absence of a carrying capacity assessment for the degradation of Siolim. He argued that the Regional Plan could have safeguarded the village’s carrying capacity, but alleged that amendments to Town and Country Planning (TCP) rules had facilitated its destruction while leaving gram sabhas and panchayats with little say in the matter.
Responding to the concerns, the panchayat secretary said the panchayat could not deny permissions to projects once the TCP department and other authorities had issued the necessary no-objection certificates.
Meanwhile, the gram sabha adopted resolutions to install traffic signboards, cat-eye blinkers and zebra crossings at various locations. It also resolved to mark the road centre line from Tar junction to Theatre junction and install reflectors.
Another resolution sought details of notified bus stops in Siolim, along with bus routes and schedules.
Sarpanch Sandesh Hadfadkar informed the gram sabha that no progress had been made on implementing the four-way dustbin system, though a meeting of the garbage committee would be convened soon.
No NGO has yet been appointed to conduct the stray cattle and dog census.
The gram sabha also discussed discrepancies in online house tax payment records, with the village development committee (VDC) holding discussions with banks to improve the system.
The panchayat further informed members that hoarding suppliers had agreed to provide designated locations for hoardings and contribute a corporate social responsibility (CSR) amount to the panchayat fund.
