First develop Sancoale then Zuari Nagar, say villagers (Herald)

First develop Sancoale then Zuari Nagar, say villagers July 9, 2013 TEAM HERALD VASCO: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s long list of benefits to slum dwellers of Zuari Nagar has evoked some criticism from residents of Sancoale, with many claiming that Parrikar should first improve facilities in the village and should also offer similar benefits to the sons of the soil in Sancoale. Speaking to Herald on condition of anonymity, some BJP workers said Parrikar, instead of developing the slum area, should first help the sons of the soil in Sancoale, who are poorer than the migrants. “Sancoale village lacks a lot of development. We do not have a good Panchayat Ghar, a ground for the youth and a market,” said a BJP worker. “We do not mind if the slum area is developed; however, Parrikar should first develop the village of Sancoale and then think of providing better facilities for the migrants,” added the worker. Another villager remarked that Parrikar should also resolve problems pertaining to water shortage, garbage problem and frequent power failures in the village. “Our roads are in dilapidated condition and there is no community hall where we can hold a function. We want the chief minister to tackle these problems first and then think of the plight of the migrant community,” said the villager. Some other villagers claimed that Parrikar’s promises would spur other slums on comuninade land to also hope for similar benefits. Admitting that the slum dwellers had encroached on the land, Sancoale Sarpanch Ramakant Borkar, however, welcomed Parrikar’s decision to provide better facilities for the slum dwellers at Zuari Nagar. “There are about 1,000 migrants who settled here when a company was started. The slum dwellers have encroached on comunidade land admeasuring about 80,000 sq mtrs. “The migrants have even encroached on land under which the PWD main water pipeline runs and have constructed their houses above the PWD water pipeline,” he said. Borkar said the slum dwellers encroached on land of a person from Margao, comunidade and part of land belonging to the government and PWD. “But before finalizing the Zuari Nagar slum development, the chief minister should take the comunidade and Sancoale Panchayat into confidence.” “With the help of the panchayat, Parrikar should conduct a thorough survey as most slum dwellers have constructed huts and have given them on rent. Many illegal clubs, dens, shops and other illegal activities take place in the slum area and these activities should be rooted out,” he said. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/First-develop-Sancoale-then-Zuari-Nagar-say-villagers/76675.html