MARGAO
The Varca panchayat gram sabha on Sunday has resolved to convene a special gram sabha to discuss the issue of the village carrying capacity in the light of concerns expressed by citizens over mega housing projects.
The special gram sabha will also discuss and deliberate on the contentious issue of the directions issued by the High Court directing the panchayats to act against illegal constructions.
At the Sunday gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Flavia Barretto, the gram sabha discussed the issue of multi-dwelling units/ mega housing projects in the village. Deputy Sarpanch Solan Furtado later told the media that the panchayat would rope in a consultant to brief the gram sabha members on the carrying capacity of the village. He said the decision has been taken in view of serious concerns raised by the members over multi-dwelling units/ mega housing projects and the village carrying capacity.
The gram sabha also adopted resolution to write to the government to restore the powers of the panchayat on the question of issuing licences for mobile towers. Referring to fears expressed by the villagers over radiation by the mobile towers, deputy sarpanch said the panchayat would request the government to give the panchayat the power to decide on mobile towers.
Sarpanch Flavia later told the media that the gram sabha members were told that the panchayat would soon collect both wet and dry waste on a daily basis. She said the panchayat has already floated a tender for the collection of door-to-door garbage, besides waste from the road sides and black spots.
On garbage left behind on the beach by picnickers, the gram sabha was told that the panchayat would hire a person to maintain the beach clean.
The sarpanch further informed that the panchayat would conduct inspection of the Varca Handi right from the area, bordering Benaulim village. She said the Handi was inspected by the panchayat, MLA Venzy Viegas and WRD officials.
