MAPUSA
The Calangute gram sabha on Sunday passed a resolution to conduct a comprehensive audit of the village’s ongoing development projects and infrastructure.
The decision was made following concerns raised by residents about the transparency and progress of various initiatives in the area.
Local resident Premanand Diukar emphasized the importance of assessing the village's development, noting that such audits are mandated by the Panchayat Raj Act.
"We need to understand the status of existing projects and the progress of other development works in our village. For instance, work on the sewerage project has been ongoing for the last 10 years, yet we have no clear update on its status," Diukar stated.
In response, Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira assured the villagers that a resource person would soon be appointed to carry out the audit.
In addition to the audit, villagers also resolved to protect and preserve the Mottan spring, a popular local site, as a biodiversity hotspot.
"We need development, but not at the cost of the environment. The area around the spring should be declared a no-development zone to ensure its protection," a resident urged.
The Sarpanch promised to inform the deputy collector to direct police action against those who litter around the spring.
Another pressing issue discussed was the destruction of the Baga river, particularly the ongoing damage to mangroves and riverine biodiversity.
Diukar called for urgent intervention to prevent further harm.
Sarpanch Sequeira informed the assembly that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) had been requested to take immediate action to stop illegal landfilling and construction along the riverbanks, with strict penalties for offenders.
The gram sabha also addressed concerns about illegal parking in no-parking zones.
The Sarpanch announced that a contractor had been appointed to tow away vehicles parked in restricted areas.
Additionally, villagers suggested the installation of signal lights at the accident-prone Bodkevaddo junction to enhance road safety.
Villagers commended the panchayat's efforts to curb the spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases and urged the reactivation of the health and sanitation committee to address health issues in the village.
During the meeting, Agnelo D’Souza raised concerns about the Calangute Post Office staff's lack of proficiency in the local vernacular, which hampers communication with residents.
Sarpanch Sequeira assured the villagers that he would write to nationalized banks to discuss this issue and also contact the General Post Master to address the mistreatment of Calangute residents.
