TURMOIL AT CANCA OVER THE PROPOSED COMMERCIAL PROJECT

MAPUSA: Verla Canca gram sabha that was held, on Sunday, witnessed turmoil over a proposed commercial project that is to come up at D’Mello Waddo, Canca. Secretary surrendering to the demand of the villagers adopted a resolution seeking revocation of the licence issued to undertake the project.

On Sunday morning, as scheduled, a large number of people turned up for the gram sabha. The villagers, after gathering at the panchayat hall, expressed resentment over the fact that the huge crowd was being squeezed in a small hall.

Though the villagers demanded that the gram sabha be held outside, the sarpanch and the other panch members refused to pay heed to their demand. The secretary read the minutes of the last meeting. The villagers took to their feet when deputy sarpanch, Mr Bicholkar in presence of sarpanch, Ms Marquis began to conduct the meeting.

Villagers objected to this and wondered why the deputy sarpanch was conducting the meeting when sarpanch, Ms Marquis was present. However, later Ms Marquis pacified the crowd.

As the gram sabha proceeded, villagers objected to a commercial project involving around 35 flats coming up at D’ Mello Waddo in the name of Highland Park.

The members of the Canca Citizen’s Forum pointed out that the village was already facing problems related to garbage, water and other issues and this would further put burden on the village infrastructure.

President of the Forum, Mr Anand Pandre also opposed the manner in which the file was cleared by the panchayat. Chaos was witnessed in between for a few minutes as the deputy sarpanch snatched the minutes’ book from the secretary.

Locals who witnessed this, questioned the secretary about the book, and the secretary said that it was with the deputy sarpanch. Villagers were seen shouting and trying to put forth their grievances before the panchayat body.

Police personnel were also present. Villagers demanded that the permission to the project in survey number 32/26 be revoked and the construction licence be withdrawn by the panchayat.

Zilla panchayat member, Mr Korgaonkar who was present also supported the people. According to the people, the proposed project likely to come up at a cost of nearly Rs 3 crore, could prove to be a burden on the village infrastructure.

A resolution was then taken in accordance with the wishes of the people to revoke the licence to the said project. Other development issues and issues pertaining to garbage were also discussed by the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch.