The Times of India         06.12.2010

Mega projects, garbage dominate Betalbatim meet

MARGAO: Issues pertaining to mega construction projects and garbage management dominated proceedings of the gram sabha in the Betalbatim village panchayat held on Sunday.

Following a heated debate, a resolution demanding that no mega construction projects be allowed to come up in the village, and proposals in that regard, if any, be placed before the gram sabha before forwarding them to concerned authorities, was unanimously adopted at the gram sabha.

Pointing out that the unsanitary and unhygienic situation prevailing on the Betalbatim beach was causing inconvenience to picnickers, the villagers urged the panchayat to put in place a proper system for regular and efficient collection and disposal of garbage from the beach. Sarpanch Michael Pereira assured that the panchayat would place adequate garbage bins along the beach, besides erecting proper signboards.

Villagers also expressed concern over the health hazard caused to locals owing to a piggery in the village, and demanded that the panchayat take immediate action against it. Earlier, the panchayat body was taken to task by the villagers for convening the gram sabha on a day and time that clashed with the local parish council meeting. Villagers also expressed their disapproval over the panchayat body's 'failure' in placing before the gram sabha an action taken report over earlier gram sabha resolutions as demanded by it.