Playground dominates Saligao gram sabha NT News Service Mapusa April 28 The Saligao Gram Sabha that was held in the panchayat hall witnessed heated arguments over the issue of the absence of a football ground for the village.
These arguments and counter-arguments were witnessed between supporters of former MLA Dr Wilfred D'Souza and present MLA Mr Dilip Parulekar. Supporters of Mr Parulekar charged the former MLA of not doing enough to build a football ground for Saligao, inspite of the fact that Dr D'Souza held high positions such as Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister. Many villagers present strongly pointed out that a well-equipped football ground for Saligao has always been a long-felt need and that the present MLA should work towards building a football ground for the village. The villagers felt that the absence of a good playing ground served as a detriment to groom sporting talent in the village. Mr Parulekar who was present for the meeting said that construction of a football ground for Saligao was on his election agenda when he had contested and won the last assembly elections, and appealed to the people not to oppose plans for building a ground for namesake but to come together for the betterment of the village. Though initially there seemed to be some reservations and arguments over the issue, later on there seemed to be some unanimity when Mr Parulekar pointed out that a place had already been identified opposite Lourdes Convent High School and felt that if the people were with him, he could definitely hasten the process of building a football ground for the village. Mr Parulekar, on this occasion, also highlighted the developmental works that he had initiated in Saligao, including clearing of drainages and other important allied work. The villagers assembled for the Gram Sabha strongly protested the manner over which migrants have been flourishing in Saligao, and urged the panchayats not to encourage illegal or any construction works that would harm the village in the long run. They urged the panchayats to crack down on all such activities. The garbage issue also figured prominently, as many felt that garbage was posing a problem to Saligao and the panchayat must ensure that necessary steps are taken against this menace. ENDS NAVHIND TIMES, April 29, 2008. Saligao-Net at: http://groups.google.com/group/saligao-net
