the goan I network
MARGAO
The Cavelossim gram sabha on Sunday has called upon the government to restore the pristine glory of River Sal by initiating measures to stop the flow of sewage all along the river course.
At the Sunday gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Dennis Rosario, members expressed concern over the contamination of the river Sal, which has been the lifeline of Salcete. Referring to the discussion that took place in the Assembly on river Sal during the ongoing session, members urged the panchayat body to write a letter to the government to take immediate steps to stop flow of sewage and restore the glory of the river.
The issue of CRZ regulation came up for discussion. Sarpanch Denis informed that the panchayat had a special gram sabha wherein members had opposed the notification in respect of outsiders, but asked for concession to locals given the topography of the village.
The Sarpanch assured the members that their sentiments will be again placed before the CRZ authorities at the time of hearings.
Members also raised the issue of open defecation by migrants on the beach.
The sarpanch explained to the members the instructions issued to the owners to submit details on the number of boats pulled up on the Cavelossim-Mobor stretch, the number of migrants working on these vessels, whether any health cards are issued to these workers and the sanitation amenities provided for the migrants.
Given the tourist importance of the village, members called for a ban on the use of the beach by the migrants employed on the vessels and on land.
The issue over beach access also came back to haunt the gram sabha with the sarpanch explaining that construction of road may not be possible given the CRZ provision barring cutting of sand dunes and road building activity. He, however, said that hotels are mandated to keep access open as per the conditions in the plan.
The meeting witnessed some tense moments after some members came face to face over an issue.
