Chimbel Gram Sabha Takes Firm Stand Against Mega Projects and Budget Discrepancies
In a decisive meeting held on Sunday, the Chimbel gram sabha in Panaji, Goa, unanimously resolved to withhold construction licenses for all mega projects within its jurisdiction. This move underscores the community's commitment to sustainable development and local governance.
Criticism of Leadership and Budget Rejection
The assembly members openly criticized Sarpanch Sandesh Shirodkar for failing to convene gram sabha meetings in October, January, and February. Additionally, they questioned the absence of Santa Cruz MLA Rodolfo Fernandes, who cited an important prior engagement via email read aloud by Shirodkar.
In a significant decision, the gram sabha rejected the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, citing glaring discrepancies in the estimates. Shirodkar assured attendees that a revised budget, featuring a detailed breakdown of allocations, would be presented for approval.
Resident Voices Highlight Financial Mismanagement
Tukaram Kunkalkar, a resident of Chimbel, pointed out severe budget irregularities. He stated, "In the 2024-25 approved budget, the estimated amount was Rs 5 crore, but only Rs 1.5 crore was actually spent—a mere 15% utilization. This lack of expenditure explains the stalled development in our village." He further alleged that the current budget document was merely a copy-paste from previous years, with allocations made but no funds disbursed in key areas.
Key Community Concerns Addressed
The sabha also tackled pressing local issues, including:
- Garbage Collection: Residents demanded increased budget allocations for door-to-door garbage collection services to improve sanitation.
- Cultural Programs: Calls were made for enhanced funding to support cultural activities within the village.
- Sewage Hazard: A major health concern was raised regarding sewage from the Indira Nagar slum area flowing directly into agricultural fields, posing risks to residents and farmers. The assembly resolved to form a committee to regulate this garbage nuisance and mitigate health hazards.
This meeting highlights the active role of gram sabhas in addressing grassroots issues and ensuring transparent governance in rural Goa.
