Former Agriculture Director Collapses and Dies During Tense Gram Sabha Meeting in Goa
In a tragic incident that has shocked the local community, Olavio Fernandes, a former director of the agriculture department, collapsed during a heated discussion at a gram sabha meeting in Santa Cruz, Goa, on Sunday. The meeting, which was discussing a proposal to reduce transfer fees for flats, took a dramatic turn when Fernandes suddenly fell ill.
Heated Discussion Precedes Medical Emergency
The gram sabha meeting, held in Santa Cruz, was already tense when the discussion turned to a proposal to lower transfer fees for flats from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10,000. During this debate, Fernandes engaged in a spirited exchange with Santa Cruz sarpanch Jenifer de Oliveira. Witnesses reported that the atmosphere was charged, with strong opinions being expressed on both sides.
It was in the midst of this heated conversation that Fernandes collapsed, sending panic through the attendees. A member of the gram sabha immediately stepped forward to perform CPR in an attempt to revive him. Despite these urgent efforts, Fernandes remained unresponsive, prompting a swift call for medical assistance.
Emergency Response and Tragic Outcome
Fernandes was quickly transported to the Goa Medical College (GMC) for emergency treatment. Medical professionals at GMC worked diligently to stabilize him, but unfortunately, he was declared dead upon arrival. Preliminary reports suggest that Fernandes suffered a suspected heart attack, though official confirmation is pending further medical examination.
Sarpanch Jenifer de Oliveira expressed her shock and sorrow over the incident, stating, "This is the first time we encountered a situation like this. The sudden collapse of Mr. Fernandes has left everyone in the gram sabha deeply distressed." She emphasized the need for better emergency preparedness at such public gatherings.
Gram Sabha Proceedings and Future Measures
The Sunday meeting had begun with routine administrative matters, including the discussion and passage of the budget for the financial year 2026-27. Several other proposals were also on the agenda before the tragic interruption. Following Fernandes' collapse, the meeting was curtailed, with Oliveira announcing that pending proposals would be addressed at the next gram sabha session.
Oliveira further commented, "If people have any queries, they can come to us and talk about the issue in detail, or raise queries at the next meeting." She also revealed plans to write to the government, urging that an ambulance be kept on standby during all future gram sabha meetings to prevent similar emergencies from turning fatal.
Community Reaction and Broader Implications
The incident has sparked discussions about health and safety protocols at public meetings across Goa. Many residents have called for mandatory first aid training for gram sabha members and better access to emergency medical services in rural areas. The tragic death of Olavio Fernandes serves as a somber reminder of the importance of preparedness in community gatherings.
As the community mourns the loss of a respected former official, questions remain about the stress and intensity of gram sabha debates. The proposal to reduce transfer fees, which was at the center of the heated discussion, will now be revisited under more solemn circumstances at the next meeting.
