MAPUSA
The Siolim-Marna gram sabha has unanimously resolved to stop the erection of hoardings in the panchayat jurisdiction, deciding that a penalty of Rs 20,000 or more should be imposed on each illegal hoarding and FIRs registered against those responsible.
The resolution was passed during Sunday’s gram sabha after residents raised concerns over the mushrooming of large hoardings, particularly along the stretch from Tar Junction to Siolim Church.
Local resident Joaquim Barros sought to know whether the panchayat had granted permissions for the hoardings or whether they had been erected illegally.
“We would like to know if the panchayat has given them permission to put up these hoardings or are they putting them up illegally. If illegal, what action has the panchayat taken to stop them?” Barros asked.
Deputy Sarpanch Sandesh Hadfadkar, who chaired the meeting, admitted that permissions were often not obtained from the panchayat for putting up hoardings.
Following the discussion, the gram sabha resolved that no permissions should henceforth be granted for erecting hoardings within the panchayat jurisdiction. It further resolved that a penalty of Rs 20,000 or more be imposed on each unauthorised hoarding and an FIR registered against the persons responsible, in accordance with the High Court ruling.
The gram sabha also took a significant decision on transparency, resolving that all four ordinary gram sabhas held annually should be broadcast live from beginning to end. It further directed that video recordings of the meetings be uploaded on the panchayat website for public reference.
Barros raised the issue after alleging that the panchayat had refused to provide video recordings of previous gram sabhas sought through an RTI application. He said the panchayat secretary had informed him that no recordings were available.
Meanwhile, resident Gregory D’Souza sought information on the proposed new solid waste management system involving four bins – black, green, red and blue – with the latter two meant for medical and sanitary waste.
Hadfadkar said the panchayat had not received any government circular regarding the proposed system, but assured that details would be obtained and awareness created in schools after the Chaturthi festival.
The gram sabha also discussed introducing an online system for payment of house tax, with villagers urging the panchayat to overcome the challenges and implement the facility for public convenience.
Residents further pressed for a carrying-capacity study of the village amid concerns over haphazard development and the mushrooming of construction projects.
Local resident Anatasio Mendes urged the panchayat to apply its mind and ensure that such a study was undertaken in the larger interest of the village.
