MARGAO
Gram sabha members of Varca raised concerns on Sunday over the construction of multi-dwelling units in the village. They questioned whether the Panchayat had conducted any carrying capacity study for the area.
At the meeting, chaired by Sarpanch Salesiana Fernandes, members expressed worry that Varca could soon become like Calangute due to the increasing number of multi-dwelling units being built.
The members suggested that the Panchayat should display proposed construction projects on the notice board to raise awareness among villagers about new housing developments. They also claimed that developers are getting approval from the Town and Country Planning department by showing plans for six-metre roads, even though the actual width of the roads on the ground is barely three metres.
The Sarpanch later told the media that she had appealed to villagers, stating that the best way to prevent multi-dwelling units from being built in the State is to stop selling land to outsiders.
“People should stop selling land to outsiders. Yet, we often see people blaming the Panchayat for issuing construction licences. The issue would be resolved if people stopped selling land to outsiders,” she added.
The Sarpanch further informed that the Panchayat has decided to seek assistance from the local hotels under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
In this regard, the Sarpanch shared that the Panchayat has proposed several development projects to the hotels, including a hearse van, renovation of bus stops, bins for wet garbage, CCTV cameras, signages, a generator, a footbridge at Pedda, and job openings for local youth.
