MAPUSA
Garbage disposal, industrial activity and gaps in basic infrastructure featured prominently at the Sirsaim gram sabha on Sunday, where villagers sought a greater say in decisions affecting the village while flagging concerns ranging from neglected roads to inadequate healthcare.
On waste management, Sarpanch Teja Kandolkar urged residents to segregate wet waste and wrap it separately before handing it over to garbage collectors. She also appealed to villagers to cut down on plastic bags and other plastic materials, stressing the need for better waste-handling practices.
The conduct of factory-related work without adequate consultation with villagers drew objections at the meeting.
Residents insisted that any future proposals to establish factories in Sirsaim be brought before the gram sabha for discussion and approval, rather than proceeding without consulting the village community. The panchayat body agreed to the demand.
The concerns of local truck owners also resurfaced, with operators from Sirsaim objecting to mining companies hiring trucks from outside the village. They urged the panchayat to bring the company concerned to the table for a joint meeting to find a resolution.
The condition of internal roads emerged as another concern, with residents demanding repairs and widening to improve road access within the village.
Bal Bhavan, doctor visits sought
Seeking more opportunities for children, villagers called for a Bal Bhavan centre in Sirsaim where they could learn different art forms. The panchayat decided to write to Bal Bhavan, requesting that a centre be established in the village.
Healthcare at the local sub-health centre also came under scrutiny, with villagers pointing to the absence of a doctor and seeking regular medical attention.
They urged the panchayat to take up the matter with the Health Department and press for a doctor’s visit at least once a week.
The ordinary gram sabha was chaired by Kandolkar in the presence of the panchayat secretary and members.
