OLD GOA
The issue of thefts taking place in Siridao was discussed at length at the Siridao-Palem gram sabha, on Sunday, with the villagers deliberating on ways to tackle the same.
The villagers pointed out that with many houses unoccupied in Siridao, the thieves are targeting the empty houses and taking away anything that they can lay their hands on, even kitchen utensils.
“What has the panchayat done to ensure that such thefts do not occur? And what are the panchas doing?” questioned one villager while demanding that the panchayat should submit a memorandum to the Agassaim police to increase patrolling in the area.
However, other villagers felt that patrolling doesn’t help and there is a need to install CCTVs at strategic points to catch the culprits.
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, who was present at the gram sabha, said that the panchayat could use panchayat funds to install CCTVs.
“I have spoken to Agassaim PI who has assured to increase patrolling in the area. However, patrolling will not solve the problem. There is a need to install CCTVs and the panchayat could use its funds for the same,” Borkar added.
Later, a resolution was passed to send the same to the BDO for approval.
Another issue that dominated the gram sabha was the nuisance created near the bar and restaurants with visitors parking their vehicles on both sides of the roads and blocking the road.
“Those visiting the bars park their vehicles on both sides of the roads and block the way. Some also play music till late night causing disturbance,” a villager pointed out.
He also demanded that permission to set up a pub in Siridao should not be allowed as they are already facing problems due to the nuisance of bars.
“If a pub is allowed then it will create problems of drugs and other illicit activities,” the villager pointed out. Sarpanch Nutan Shirodkar said that though the panchayat has received file for permitting the pub, it will not issue license.
The dumping of mud by the highway contractor in the Siridao creek was also discussed with the villagers fearing that their houses will be flooded if the mud is not removed before the monsoons.
Sarpanch Shirodkar assured that the work on removal of the mud will be taken up from Monday.
