Mapusa: The Siolim-Sodiem gram sabha on Sunday, on the issue of alleged drug-related activities among youth, resolved to write to the police seeking intensified patrolling and action in identified “black spots”.
They alleged that youth were consuming drugs in isolated areas and demanded that the panchayat identify such locations and write to the police and the Anti-Narcotics Cell to intensify patrolling. Earlier complaints had led to police action, after which such activities had stopped, they said, alleging that the problem had resurfaced and required a fresh crackdown.
Concerns were also raised about alcohol consumption by youth, with bottles and other items reportedly found dumped in public places.
Deputy sarpanch Nilesh Vaigankar said that miscreants were seen late at night indulging in illicit activities near canal areas. Another villager questioned the role of the beat police.
It was resolved to write to the police to intensify patrolling in black spot areas such as canal stretches, the Maina-Sodiem area, internal roads and the Pilimbi area. Among other issues discussed were objections to smart meters, Tillari canal seepage, compensation to farmers, pending CCTV cameras, stray cattle and dogs, swimming pools, roadside parking by a restaurant, and other local matters.
A local Peter D’Souza raised the issue of compensation to farmers affected by the Tillari Irrigation Project, jobs for land losers and construction in CADA areas despite lack of development. Villagers said that water seepage from the canal was damaging wells, structures and fields.
It was resolved to hold a special meeting on March 17 with officials from the Water Resources Department and other concerned departments.
Villager Nilesh Morajkar, who raised the issue of roadside parking by patrons of a restaurant at Xell, said that it caused inconvenience and posed danger to commuters. It was resolved that the panchayat would write to the traffic cell seeking action. On the issue of stray cattle, villagers demanded action against owners who allow cattle to roam freely. They also demanded that the department be informed to cancel subsidies of owners who fail to take proper care of their cattle.
