Benaulim locals threaten to take to streets

BY HERALD REPORTERMARGAO, JUNE 24 –
Agitated Benaulim villagers under the banner of Benaulim Villagers Action Committee warned of taking to the streets if the panchayat fails to address the genuine grievances of the villagers on the mega projects. The activists called on the acting Sarpanch Stanley and other panchayat officials on Tuesday morning to find out whether the stop work order notices were signed by the outgoing Sarpanch Maria Fernandes instead of the Panchayat Secretary.
Benaulim villagers on Monday were told by Additional Director of Panchayats, Melvyn Vaz that the stop work did not hold good because the orders were signed by the Sarpanch and not by the Panchayat Secretary. The activists warned the Panchayat not to fool around with the sentiments of the people, while demanding immediate action against the housing projects. BVAC spokesman Geraldine Fernandes told Herald that the Panchayat should stop playing with the sentiments of the villagers and threatened to take to the streets if the local body fails to address grievances of the locals.
The acting Sarpanch told Herald that the people had come to inquire into the procedure followed by the panchayat while issuing stop work order notices. He said though the Additional Panchayat Director said such notices ought to the signed by the Panchayat Secretary, the secretary has contended that BDO had issued a circular stating that such notices have to be signed by the Sarpanch.
“This blame game is not acceptable to the villagers. This whole thing is taking a vicious circle. The villagers want justice. The people are angry. They are asking the Executive Committee why the Panchayat has not implemented the gram sabha resolutions relating to Alisha Constructions till date”, Geraldine said, while warning that people will be forced to take to the streets to seek justice.