I have noticed complaints on social media from some Colva residents about severe water shortages in their wards. This is now becoming a growing problem in Colva, including in the ward where I reside.
It is fine to complain on social media and in the print media, and even to question the local MLA or ministers. However, do these locals realise that they have considerable power at the village level through the local governing panchayat to address water scarcity and other critical issues?
Such matters can be raised at the gram sabhas where, if the residents attend in large numbers, they can compel the Colva panchayat to act in the best interests of the village. This could include stopping licences for water-guzzling commercial establishments, multi-unit housing projects, and the numerous swimming pools that have been allowed and continue to be permitted.
Unfortunately, I have noticed very poor attendance at Colva’s gram sabhas. The candid question to the Colva residents, therefore, is: who is actually responsible for the growing problems in Colva? It is easier to blame ministers, MLAs, panchas and others, but we the residents must also accept some responsibility for the deteriorating state of affairs in our village.
I humbly request each one of you to take a greater interest in the governance of our village and attend gram sabhas in large numbers. Gram sabhas are generally held once every three months, and surely it should be possible for people to make time from their busy schedules to participate in shaping a better-governed Colva.
