PONDA
The Sancorda panchayat has convened a special Gram Sabha to discuss allegations by locals that the Ragada river in Sancorda has been polluted.
The Gram Sabha has convened even though authorities have clarified in a report that the water in the river is not polluted.
On Monday morning, the locals submitted a memorandum with 317 signatures to the panchayat office and demanded that the panchayat should take strict action against a project, and to convene a special meeting to discuss the issue.
The locals discussed the matter with Sarpanch Priya Khandeparkar, police officials and other panch members.
Insisting that the River Ragada was found to have been contaminated, locals and the panchayat body had visited the river to inspect the water. After that, officials of various departments were informed about the water.
The Goa Pollution Control Board, Water Resources Department, PWD, etc. had collected the water samples for tests.
However, the report submitted to the panchayat office by the PWD claimed that the water of the river is not polluted.
The locals have, however, expressed doubts about the report submitted by the PWD and a demanded a special gram sabha to discuss the matter.
Meanwhile, the Sarpanch has issued a notice to the unit to submit all documents within three days, else the permit issued by the panchayat would be withdrawn.
Bowing to the wishes of the people, the panchayat has convened a special gram sabha on March 3.
