Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: A fresh twist has emerged in the long-standing jurisdiction dispute involving Velsao-Pale-Issorcim and Chicolna-Bogmalo panchayats under the Mormugao Block, with former Panch and social worker Roquezinho D’Souza changing his position on the proposed alteration.
The proposal seeks to shift Ward No. 7 of Velsao-Pale-Issorcim, comprising Issorcim and Ranghavi Estate, to Chicolna-Bogmalo Panchayat. Velsao Panchayat has previously opposed the move, including concerns over the revenue generated from the Ranghavi Estate area.
With the proposal resurfacing and a Special Gram Sabha scheduled for Sunday, D’Souza said he had initially planned to submit an objection against the proposed jurisdictional change.
However, he said he subsequently visited Issorcim to understand the concerns of residents on the ground. During the visit, he claimed that several villagers expressed a desire to be separated from Velsao Panchayat, citing alleged neglect and inadequate development in the area.
Following the interaction, D’Souza said he had decided to support the concerns of the Issorcim villagers rather than pursue his earlier objection.
“If the villagers themselves feel they are being neglected, their voice must be heard,” D’Souza said at a press conference on Friday.
He also criticised the Velsao Panchayat Sarpanch and the Panch Member representing Issorcim Ward over what he described as a lack of attention to the area.
The development is expected to add a new dimension to Sunday’s Special Gram Sabha, where the proposed jurisdictional alteration is likely to come under discussion.
