MAPUSA
Villagers of Siolim-Marna have urged the local panchayat to mandate site inspections before issuing construction licenses.
At a gram sabha meeting on Sunday, residents also called for members of the Village Development Committee (VDC) to be involved in these inspections to ensure transparency and compliance.
VDC Chairman Joaquim Barros emphasized that the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department often lacks awareness of the village's ground realities when granting project licenses.
He highlighted the necessity of verifying basic infrastructure availability, such as water, electricity, and road networks, before approving any projects.
“Site inspections are crucial to identify any irregularities and ensure that terms and conditions are met. If a builder is found providing false information, their license should be denied, and the inspection report should be shared with all relevant authorities,” Barros asserted.
However, the panchayat secretary noted that a TCP directive states that gram sabhas have no authority to discuss construction licenses.
This has caused some concern among the villagers, who believe they should have a say in such matters.
Additionally, the villagers requested that the panchayat present the road widening plan for Major District Road (MDR-10) to the community.
They want to identify locations for bus stops, zebra crossings, school bus bays, and other traffic-related infrastructure.
The widening project has currently been halted due to legal proceedings in the Bombay High Court at Goa.
Residents also voiced concerns over the poor condition of several roads in the area, which pose significant challenges, particularly for school children and senior citizens.
Motorists have struggled with navigating these deteriorating roads, prompting demands for a clear timeline for repairs.
In response, the sarpanch announced plans to install a road barrier along the Mapusa-Ganeshpuri to Siolim road, which has become a hotspot for accidents. This measure is intended to enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians.
The VDC chairman also underscored the importance of initiating the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) process for the financial year 2025-26. The sarpanch assured the gram sabha that work on the GPDP would begin soon and committed to convening a meeting of all village panchayat committees to discuss further developments.
