MAPUSA: Bastora gram sabha on Sunday resolved that all houses in the village, which are built illegally and without proper documents, should be regularised. The copy of the resolution passed unanimously in this regard would be forwarded to the government.
The gram sabha was presided over by sarpanch Pratiksha Mayekar with panchayat secretary Smita Parab, panch members and observer Ritesh Gadkar being present.
The panchayat secretary Parab read the circular from the Bardez BDO office regarding allotment of token numbers to illegal houses. Parab, when asked, pointed out that this was not pertaining to houses on comunidade land as per her knowledge.
A villager said that “why should tax be collected from illegal houses. Instead of collecting house tax, the government should collect fine until the structures are legalised.” Agreeing to this suggestion, the gram sabha unanimously passed the resolution.
Another villager said that “why not regularise houses of those who do not have ownership documents as they have been staying for generations.”
Further, the locals raised the issue of absenteeism of panch members and pointed out
that the gram sabha should be cancelled if panch members are not interested in attending them.
On this, the sarpanch Pratiksha Mayekar said that “as per panch members are concerned the deputy sarpanch had informed that he would not be able to attend it.”
Further, upon a suggestion from a resident, a resolution was passed demanding that the government increases the rice quota for all card holders and restarts the supply of kerosene.
The gram sabha also unanimously resolved to identity all coconut trees in the village that are in dangerous condition and take necessary steps in that regard. So also another resolution was passed asking the panchayat to call water resources department and health department officials for inspection of wells in the village to check the water quality.
It was also resolved that “no government pavers would be allowed for use by any individual house owner.” It was also resolved that concerned authorities should take action against scrap vehicles that are parked on the road.
