MAPUSA
Raising alarm over the rising criminal incidents across the State, residents of Tivim on Sunday urged the village panchayat to press for increased police patrolling to safeguard lives and property.
At the gram sabha held on Sunday, villager Subodh reminded that residents had earlier demanded police patrolling, but no action had been taken so far. “So many crimes are taking place in the State, and it won’t be long before our village becomes a target. What steps has the panchayat taken to ensure police patrolling is started?” he asked.
Responding to the concerns, Tivim Sarpanch Michael Fernandes informed that a letter had been sent to the local police station, but officials had not responded. “We will write to them again and ensure that they respond to the concerns of the villagers,” Fernandes assured.
Another villager, Robert Colaco, urged the elected members of the panchayat to take concrete action to protect the village. “The panchayat should properly follow up so that authorities are held accountable and the work is done,” he said.
Colaco also highlighted the issue of unhygienic and unsafe spots developing in the village. He said the Ganapati immersion site near the old post office and the area near the incomplete Tivim Gymkhana complex had become hubs for “unethical and illegal activities” after dark.
“Consumption of alcohol, drugs and even prostitution is taking place in these areas. The panchayat should take steps to stop such activities,” Colaco warned, urging the local body to coordinate with the concerned departments to clean up and illuminate these sites.
Raising another issue, Colaco pointed out the incomplete development of the village football ground, lamenting that despite repeated follow-ups, the contractor and engineer responsible had not inspected the site. Sarpanch Fernandes said the panchayat had already written to the officials concerned.
However, Colaco pressed for firm action, suggesting that if the officials failed to attend the next meeting, the security deposit of Rs 5 lakh be utilised to carry out the necessary repairs. “We can’t drag the issue for so long. Already four months have gone by,” he said.
The gram sabha also discussed the issue of notices issued to houses and roadside commercial establishments, with locals urging the panchayat to take an appropriate stand before any demolition process is initiated by the authorities.
The meeting concluded with villagers calling for prompt and visible action from both the panchayat and the police to address the growing safety and civic concerns in Tivim.
