PONDA: In a lengthy and chaotic gram sabha of the village panchayat of Usgao-Ganjem held on Sunday, the villagers adopted a resolution to shut-down all existing scrap yards, claiming that the owners of these scrap yards were picking fights with the locals without any provocation.

According to the gram sabha members, scrap yard owners assaulted some locals about 15 days ago. They also pointed that the scrap yards are increasing in number, with the authorities turning a blind eye to these. There are nearly 20 scrapyards in this locality, locals allege.
Mr Tulshidas Prabhu, a former ZP member said, “These scrap yard which are set up and operated by non-Goans, are creating problems in the locality. The panchayat should either shut these down or demolish them. We do not want them here.”
Others alleged that the scrap yards are illegal structures and therefore, have to be closed down. The resolution gained support of most of the members present for the meeting.
The villagers also resolved that the panchayat should conduct a survey of migrants living in panchayat areas. They said if the structures where these migrants live are found to be illegal, then these should not be provided electricity and water connections.
Another issue discussed was the question of the 22 youth, whose services were terminated by a company at Usgao, and who were still unemployed, despite the company’s assurance that all of them would be reinstated. The members said that if this was not done then the panchayat should not renew the company’s licences.
The villagers also urged the sarpanch, Ms Kanti Gaude, to initiate action against illegal constructions that are coming up all over, especially compound walls. Ms Gaude consented to a survey by the villagers of illegal structures, which will be held on September 28.
A large posse of police personnel was also present to ensure that the gram sabha was held in peace.