LACK OF TRANSPARANCY OVER DEVELOPMENT WORK AT CHIMBEL

A discussion on lack of transparency over development and housing projects at Chimbel, a nearly decades-old stalemate over a village school and playground project, deforestation of a large tract of forest land on a hill near the military camp, and pollution of cultivable paddy fields kicked up some dust at the gram sabha . In the gram sabha meeting chaired by sarpanch Chandrakant Kunkolkar, villagers bemoaned the pending status of the twin high school buildings and playground projects and asked the sarpanch to look for alternation options. Kunkolkar explained that the matter was sub judice and cannot be taken up for discussion. But, villagers, especially members of Chimbel Manch led by president Rumaldo Carvalho, suggested that panchayat consider an alternative option as the issue has been debated for three decades. However, panchayat authroties cut short the discussion citing legal implications. This irked the villagers. The village school is being run in a community hall with partitions drawn up to make class rooms. For some time, classes were being conducted in a private house. Similarly, the playground for the locals, for which a foundation stone had been laid by then chief minister, Pratapsing Rane, was also incomplete. A legal dispute over the ownership of land (alleged to be comunidade owned by given on lease) in which the school and playground are to come up have resulted in a stalemate for several years. Sources said a work order has been issued to construct the playground at Chimbel almost a year back when Lok Sabha elections had been announced. But, when members raised the issue at an ordinary gram sabha, the sarpanch said that nothing could be done due to election code of conduct. "No further process has been done after that," the source said. A market complex was also proposed for the village. The approval was granted to several housing projects. Out of 11 wards, at least three wards, which are reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates also generated some heat. "We should be taken into confidence when approvals are given to any big projects," a member said, expressing fears over the demographic changes in a ST-dominated locality. One particular project envisaging the construction of 70 flats is under construction in one ward reserved for STs. The sarpanch has also been elected from one of these wards, a source said. Another vexing problem in the village - the flow of sewage and drain water from the upper reaches of Chimbel hill into the cultivable fields - was also taken up. Villagers complained about the problems in cultivating their paddy fields. However, not much discussion took place as the sarpanch ended the meeting, despite a demand by members to allow time to cover some more issues. The sarpanch explained that enough opportunity had been given to raise issues. He subsequently walked out of the gram sabha. Chimbel Manch vice president, Gurudas Shirodkar, Govind Shirodkar, Mohan Kunkolkar and some other villagers raised issues at the gram sabha, but sources said that some unruly elements created a ruckus and often heckled members trying to make a point over some pressing issue.