Abdul Wahab Khan
Panaji: As Taleigao gears up for the panchayat election, scheduled on April 28, residents are seeking some relief from issues plaguing their village, including water crisis, sewage woes, poor internal roads, rapid urbanisation, crumbling market condition and the stray cattle menace.
The water crisis, however, is a prime concern with residents often going days without access to reliable tap water.
Sarpanch Janu Rosario, while acknowledging the severity of the problem,laid the blame squarely on the shoulders of the PWD that has consistently failed to provide the necessary support and resources.
Rosario said the panchayat has put up a proposal for construction of an additional overhead tank, but the ultimate solution lies with the PWD.
“We often have to rely on expensive private water tankers to meet our basic water needs,” said a resident Maria Fernandes. “This is a problem that has persisted for far too long, and we expect the new panchayat body to find a lasting solution,” she added.
She also raised the issue of increasing number of housing complexes in the area and how it has adversely changed the village’s character.
“These new housing complexes are popping up everywhere, and it is just not the same village we grew up in anymore,” said Krishna Karishetty, who has lived in Taleigao all his life.
“The open spaces and greenery that defined this place are disappearing, and with all these issues, the unique character of Taleigao is being lost,” said an elderly resident Smita.
As regards the issue of sewage discharge into the fields, the panchayat has taken some action, including disconnecting water supply to certain households, but the problem remains unresolved.
Local Rajesh Naik said, “The sewage problem has made it impossible for us to grow crops. The stench is unbearable, and it is a constant threat to our health and the environment. We need the panchayat to find a comprehensive solution to it.”
The residents are also fed up with the poor condition of the internal roads. Sarpanch Rosario, however, said the panchayat has taken action, with the process of road tarring already underway, starting from Kamrabhat.
The poor market condition is another issue with both customers and vendors facing difficulties.
“The lack of a well-developed market infrastructure has made it challenging for us to conduct our business. There are a large number of housing complexes in the village but the local market is in poor condition. Promises to develop a new market have been made for decades, but remain unfulfilled,” said a resident Rehan Khan.
Despite these challenges, the panchayat has also taken some positive steps, such as acquiring land in Taleigao to construct a multi-amenity building. However, these initiatives have done little to ease the residents’ broader concerns.
Adding to the woes of the villagers is the growing menace of stray cattle, which roam freely, damaging crops, posing risks to motorists, and creating an unsanitary environment. Homemaker Anita Kumari said, “The panchayat must take immediate action to control the stray cattle population and find a sustainable solution to the problem.”
The panchayat elections in Taleigao will be a crucial test for the candidates of the local MLA’s panel, as the residents await addressal of their long-standing issues.