Calangute: Villagers at a gram sabha of the Saligao village panchayat on Sunday unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Section 39-A of the Town and Country Planning Act, alleging that it is being used by govt to convert agricultural fields, bunds and forest land into settlement areas for the benefit of builders. They also alleged that mega projects are being approved by the TCP department without taking into consideration the lack of basic infrastructure.“Every MLA says he’s opposed to Section 39-A but not one of them is coming forward to have it withdrawn,” they said.Villagers also adopted a resolution against mega projects in the village, criticising the village panchayat for becoming a rubber stamp of govt and issuing construction licences. “Even if the TCP department gives technical clearance, the panchayat should not give construction licence if the project is opposed by the people,” villagers said.Villagers also raised the issue of garbage trucks from Calangute and Arpora-Nagoa passing through narrow interior village roads, resulting in foul smell and traffic congestion. They asked the panchayat to write to the respective panchayats to use the Chogm Road and avoid passing through the village during school hours.
