Har Ghar Jal claim questioned as Arambolkars face water woes

Locals push for village to be placed in CRZ-II to facilitate construction

Pernem: Questioning the government’s claim of 100%

coverage under the Har Ghar Jal scheme, Arambol gram sabha members on Sunday said many houses in the village still lack PWD tap connections. They added that wells in the area have turned contaminated and the water is unfit for drinking.

During the meeting, members sought updates on the status of the file moved under the scheme. Panchayat secretary Rajat Narvekar said the file had already been forwarded to the department concerned.

The gram sabha also passed a resolution to request that the village be placed in CRZ-II to facilitate construction. The resolution was proposed by Dominic Fernandes and seconded by Santosh Korkankar.

Tensions rose when the secretary informed that funds received under the 15th Finance Commission were diverted towards garbage management under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Villagers questioned whether panchayat garbage collection revenue was inadequate, stating that such funds should be reserved strictly for development works. They urged the panchayat to identify commercial establishments and levy garbage fees accordingly, stressing that poor collection was leading to financial losses.

The issue of loud late-night parties at beach shacks and other establishments also drew concern, with members saying music often continues into the early hours, disturbing residents. “The noise goes across two kilometres,” they said, demanding revocation of NOCs and stricter time limits on operations. The secretary assured the panchayat would write to police and the pollution control board seeking action.

Members further complained that local tourists create nuisance late at night after drinking, blocking roads and disturbing peace. The panchayat resolved to write to the police, urging patrols to curb the problem.