Calangute Panchayat Awaits Supreme Court Verdict on ODP-Approved Constructions
In a recent gram sabha held on Sunday, Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira clarified that the local panchayat is currently unable to halt any ongoing construction projects that were approved under the now-defunct outline development plan (ODP) for Calangute. This situation will persist until the Supreme Court delivers a final decision on pending appeals related to the matter. Sequeira emphasized that the panchayat had originally issued construction licences based on the ODP when it was legally applicable, thereby allowing these projects to proceed without interruption.
Shift to Regional Plan 2021 for New Licences
Following the Bombay High Court's ruling to scrap the ODP and mandate adherence to the Regional Plan 2021, the village panchayat has adjusted its licensing procedures accordingly. Sequeira confirmed that all new construction licence applications are now evaluated strictly under the provisions of the RP 2021. As a result, several applications have been rejected for failing to comply with the updated regional guidelines, highlighting the panchayat's commitment to enforcing the court's directive.
Persistent Water Supply Challenges in Calangute
During the gram sabha, villagers voiced significant concerns over the ongoing water supply issues in Calangute. Despite repeated assurances and the installation of new water pipelines over the years, residents continue to face severe shortages. Many reported having to wake up at midnight or 2 a.m. to fill their water tanks, with some areas receiving water only once every two days, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Progress and Delays in Water Infrastructure Projects
Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira addressed these grievances by noting some improvements in specific areas, attributing them to the full commissioning of new water storage tanks at Umtawaddo. However, he acknowledged that substantial work remains incomplete. Key projects, such as the Pilerne water treatment plant designed to supply Calangute, are still underway, and the pipeline from the Boa Viagem water pumping station to the plant has not been finished. Additionally, the treated water from the Baga sewage plant will only become available once a reverse pipeline is laid, indicating that comprehensive solutions may take considerable time to materialize.
Online Payment Hurdles for House Tax
Another issue discussed at the meeting was the absence of an online facility for paying panchayat house tax. Sequeira explained that the village panchayat has been unable to implement this digital payment option due to a high number of duplicate house numbers in the area. This administrative challenge has delayed the rollout of a more convenient and efficient tax payment system for residents.
