Demand transparency on development projects
Salvador do Mundo Panchayat secretary Dhanesh Khorjuvekar reads the details of the panchayat’s proposed budget for 2025-26.
Photo Credits: Anil Shankhwalker
PORVORIM
Villagers of Salvador do Mundo strongly opposed the Tourism Department’s plan to develop and beautify Torda creek under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. Alex D’Souza said that a local English daily reported the Tourism Department’s proposal to develop Torda creek to showcase nature-based attractions and improve tourist experiences. However, since the department has not presented the project details to the villagers, it should be opposed.
Dinesh Dias added that the Tourism Department had not taken the panchayat and villagers into confidence while preparing the project. Therefore, it should be rejected outright. A resolution to this effect was passed unanimously.
A villager pointed out that a residential project is coming up at Paithona without proper road access, and the licence granted for the project should be revoked. The villagers also expressed concern that although CM Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Overhead Reservoir at Quitla a few weeks ago, residents of Dhonwado and nearby areas still do not receive drinking water. The panchayat secretary assured them that a letter would be sent to the Public Works Department (PWD) regarding this issue.
Other matters discussed at the gram sabha, held on Sunday, included garbage collection, installation of additional CCTV cameras, and road cutting by PWD.
Later, Panchayat Secretary Dhanesh Khorjuvekar presented the proposed budget of Rs 4.83 crore for the year 2025-26. The budget estimates government grants at Rs 36.05 lakh, which includes Rs 20 lakh from the 15th Finance Commission grants, Rs 4.25 lakh in matching grants, and Rs 3 lakh under garbage/Swachh Bharat grants.
Projected income from taxes and fees for 2025-26 totals Rs 1.19 crore. This includes Rs 26.50 lakh from house tax, Rs 3.50 lakh from professional tax, Rs 24 lakh from garbage tax, Rs 35 lakh from construction licence fees, Rs 10 lakh from sanitation and health fees, and Rs 3 lakh from the market fee (sopo).
Planned expenditure includes Rs 1.68 crore for public works, covering the construction and repair of drains, culverts, gutters, and roads (Rs 33 lakh), maintenance of open spaces and gardens (Rs 1.80 lakh), and construction of protection and retaining walls (Rs 6 lakh). Administrative expenses are estimated at Rs 91.30 lakh.
For sanitation, public health, and family welfare, Rs 6.90 lakh has been allocated, including Rs 4 lakh for garbage bins and cleaning materials. Additionally, Rs 4.20 lakh has been earmarked for social welfare, and Rs 4.15 lakh for education and culture.
