Betalbatim resolves not to grant any more permission for swimming pools

Members of the Betalbatim gram sabha raise their hands in opposition to permissions for swimming pools.

MARGAO
The Betalbatim gram sabha on Sunday adopted a resolution by show of hands not to grant any more permission for swimming pools in the village.

The gram sabha has also firmly opposed housing projects proposed in the village saying that indiscriminate issuance of permission for housing project will have a telling effect on the available infrastructure.

Former Minister Mickky Pacheco, who attended the gram sabha, however, expressed his strong reservation to the resolution passed at the gram sabha opposing permissions for swimming pools. He questioned the Sarpanch Anthony Fernandes and the Secretary whether the gram sabha and the panchayat has the power to pass a resolution not to grant permission for swimming pools.

The issue dominated the gram sabha meeting chaired by Sarpanch Anthony after members vehemently opposed permissions for three housing projects with swimming pools. Some of the members pointed out that swimming pools consume lot of water and the village cannot afford to ignore the fact that people are facing water issues.

Some of the members further pointed out that even though contractors supply the water for the swimming pools, the water is drawn from wells, resulting in the depletion of the underground water.

On the other hand, questions were raised whether the resolution will have retrospective effect and the impact the resolution will have on the existing swimming pools or approved by the TCP.

After much discussion, the resolution putting a stop to granting permission for swimming pools was passed by show of hands.

Sarpanch Anthony Fernandes later told the media that the resolution will be forwarded to the authorities, including the Town and Country Planning Department and the Salcete Block Development Officer for information and action.