the goan I network
CURCHOREM
The villagers also demanded that no permission should be given to a controversial building in the village and have also asked the panchayat to curb stray cattle menace.
Initiating the discussion, the villagers raised concern over the recent government’s decision to convert village roads to State highways. The gram sabha members also pointed out that the status of ‘mining bypass’ is
not known.
Some farmers feared that if the village roads are converted into State highway, then the ore transportation trucks will transport ore unabated. They said farmers will have a problem to take their cattle along the roadside, while pedestrians will also have a problem as the roads have not been widened.
Later, James Fernandes and gram sabha members proposed a resolution that Xeldem panchayat should oppose the conversion of village roads into State highways.
Fernandes also raised the issue of construction licence issued to a building in Xeldem. He said corrections need to be done to the controversial building, which has not got the necessary permissions. He pointed out that the commercial area of the ground floor of the controversial building exceeds 25 per cent of permissible coverage area.
“There is no proper set back. The width of the road abutting this property differs from place to place along this stretch which is less than 8 metres,” Fernandes added.
Another local said, “Earlier, the panchayat had claimed that the building was controversial. Now, how can the panchayat give licence and permission to the building?”
The issue of stray cattle was also raised in the gram sabha by Caitan from Xeldem. He inquired whether the panchayat has a cattle shed and pound keeper to take care of the cattle.
“People are inconvenienced due to the stray cattle on the roads at night and many have met with accidents,” he added.
The villagers said the panchayat should take action in this regard. The budget of Xeldem Panchayat for 2017 were presented.
