NT Reporter | Panaji
A heated argument broke out during the gram sabha at Chorao-Madel on Sunday over the growing menace of stray cattle. Villagers said they have been suffering for many years due to this issue, which often causes accidents.
They alleged that the panchayat has not taken concrete action to resolve the problem.
MLA Premendra Shet was present for the gram sabha.
The villagers demanded that the panchayat immediately sign an MoU with the Shikeri gaushala. They warned that if this is not done soon, they will take a delegation directly to the gaushala.
Another major issue discussed was the Ro-Ro ferry fare.
One villager said the ferry charges rent-a-cars Rs 300.
Shet told villagers that he would work to reduce Ro-Ro ferry fares for the locals.
He said he had met the chief minister and the RND minister, and would take necessary steps.
The MLA said the Ro-Ro ferry service was started for the benefit of the people of Chorao. However, a villager disagreed, alleging that the ferry was introduced mainly for the Smart City Project. The villagers demanded that the reduction in ferry fees be finalised within the next 10 days.
Concerns were also raised about poor jetty infrastructure. The villagers said ambulances often gets stuck, Kadamba buses face difficulties, and there are parking problems. They demanded immediate solutions. One villager complained that they had earlier requested a ferry every hour because children use it. Only two ferries are currently operating. They asked for hourly ferry services from 7 am to 8 pm.
The villagers also said that although they had earlier stopped trucks from using the ferry, trucks may be allowed only for one hour in the morning from 6 am to 7 am.
