Calangute: Villagers at the Candolim panchayat gram sabha on Sunday demanded proper safety measures at sites where the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) carries out work. This is in view of the death of a worker at a work site in Calangute.“Just like in Calangute, work is going on in Candolim with open trenches and people’s lives might be in danger,” said locals.Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes said he would speak to GSIDC chairperson Michael Lobo and request him to direct the contractor to take safety measures.Villagers also asked whether the panchayat has taken steps to avoid a water crisis following the deficient rainfall and anticipated cut in PWD water supply. Locals suggested that the panchayat should audit all wells, springs and ponds in Candolim to use them during an emergency and clean them in advance.Fernandes said they were exploring buying a water tanker to supply water to residents. He said the panchayat is preparing proposals to rejuvenate ponds and set up a mini-filtration plant to supply potable water. “We will have a water problem from Feb to April-May. There are 12 ponds, and we are planning to put filters, aerate them and use the water. We’ve already started working on the proposal which has to get govt approval,” he said.He said two overhead tanks are being constructed in Orda and Saipem, which will receive water from the upcoming water treatment plant (WTP) in Pilerne. “Work is currently going on,” he said.The gram sabha also discussed garbage dumping in open spaces, hotels releasing sewage on roads, and illegal constructions. Locals also urged the VP to write to the traffic police and other authorities to reduce the speed limit to 30kmph to avoid accidents caused by speeding tourist vehicles.
