Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chimbel village has stepped up its opposition to the proposed urbanisation, with the village panchayat deciding to formally reject the move following strong objections raised by residents during a special Gram Sabha held on Saturday.
Chimbel Sarpanch Sandesh Shirodkar said the panchayat stands firmly with the villagers and will pass a resolution opposing the proposal at its fortnightly meeting on Tuesday.
The resolution will be submitted to the Block Development Officer (BDO) and the Directorate of Panchayats.
“We stand with the people of Chimbel. We do not want our village to be urbanised,” Shirodkar said.
Residents at the special Gram Sabha argued that granting urban status would adversely affect Chimbel’s rural character, destroy agricultural fields and impose a higher tax burden on residents.
Several villagers also claimed that the proposal would divide the village and alter its traditional way of life.
Villagers criticised former MLA Victoria Fernandes and current MLA Rudolph Fernandes, alleging that inadequate efforts had been made towards the development of Chimbel.
The Gram Sabha also discussed waste management issues in the village.
Responding to concerns, Shirodkar assured residents that the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) plant would be shifted from its present location soon.
He also appealed to the public to adopt proper waste disposal practices and called for strict action against those found dumping garbage indiscriminately to maintain cleanliness in the village.
