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'Pomburpa needed only for polls, garbage site' BY MELVYN MISQUITA
& ANIL SHANKHWALKAR
Porvorim plateau, half of which is claimed by its neighbours, Penha-da-Franca, Salvador-do-Mundo and Socorro. Hence, the booming construction business on the Porvorim plateau is virtually absent down in the almost forgotten village of Pomburpa, which is inhabited by about 5,000 residents spread across nearly 500 houses in 10 wards. To make matters worse, key projects and institutions, such as the Primary Health Centre and the police outpost, are located in the adjacent village of Aldona. And to add insult to injury, Pomburpa village was recently identified as the garbage dumping site for the four villages of Aldona, Moira, Nachinola, Bastora and Pomburpa, as part of the rural garbage disposal scheme. “Good projects never come to Pomburpa. In fact, Pomburpa is considered important only during elections, and when it comes to chosing a garbage dumping site,” sums up a disappointed Gokuldas Halarnkar, who heads the seven-member Pomburpa panchayat. In fact, the village has been blessed with a natural attraction -- the Pomburpa spring. “Though the Pomburpa spring is predominently used by tourists during the summer months, the locals use the spring all year round,” informs Sarpanch Halarnkar. But interest in the Pomburpa spring soon dried out. “The government maintained the spring for sometime, before giving up on the project. Now, the GTDC sends only one person every week to maintain the area, Mr Halarnkar said. “We are willing to maintain the spring but we would need government assistance in this regard. There is great potential to develop the springs into a tourist spot in the long run. The tourism department has even acquired land for a parking lot, but it is yet to develop the land,” he added. But in order to build its image as a tourist spot, Mr Halarnkar insisted that the government should initially take over the project on a no profit, no loss basis. “Unfortunately, the government is not bothered about the Pomburpa springs, on grounds that it is not a viable project. But tell me, are all government projects in the State viable? If not, then why does the government insist on continuing with them,” asked the sarpanch. Recently, residents along with the Pomburpa panchayat were upset, when the government asked Pomburpa to provide land for the garbage collected from Pomburpa and the four other neighbouring villages. “I really don’t know why and how Pomburpa was identified by the government as the garbage dumping site for five villages. There is absolutely no space for the disposal of that much garbage in Pomburpa village. Let them (government) show us the space in our village, that is required for the collection of garbage,” retorted Sarpanch Halarnkar. “In fact, we were surprised to learn that the government took this decision without informing or consulting us. The gram sabha has unanimously rejected this proposal,” he said. “It may be because we are a quiet village, that others have taken advantage of us. But we will oppose this project in every possible way, if we are forced to part with our land,” warned the sarpanch. Mr Halarnkar was quick to point out that the panchayat was keen to take care of the garbage from its own village. “We have sent a proposal in this regard, stating that Pomburpa panchayat is willing to acquire a small piece of land for this task,” he informed. The sarpanch has attributed the lack of development work in the panchayat mainly to the acute shortage of funds. “The panchayat earns a meagre Rs 40,000 each year and much of these funds are generated through house taxes,” informed Mr Halarnkar. The disparity in rentals can be clearly seen in the panchayat building itself. While the telephone exchange pays Rs 4,500 per month to the Pomburpa panchayat, the sub-health centre, which is housed in the next room, pays a paltry rent of about Rs 160 per month. “With such funds, the panchayat cannot do anything for its people. We desperately need hotmixing of our main roads, especially when internal roads of neighbouring villages are being hotmixed, a community hall and proper playgrounds,” he said. Political winds, too, have not blown favourably in the direction of the Pomburpa panchayat. “We are a Congress-supported panchayat. First, our MLA was Ulhas Asnodkar of the BJP. Then we were hopeful of some progress in our village when Congress leader Dayanand Narvekar was elected into power. Unfortunately, he was in the opposition and his hands were tied during the previous BJP-led government in the State,” remarked Mr Halarnkar. “A number of years have been wasted due to political indifference towards Pomburpa village,” he added. “Hence, we have little option but to live with this step-motherly treatment.” [Comments on this article] It was pathetic to read the interview of Gokuldas Halarnkar Sarpanch of Pomburpa and his sob story. If he cannot handle the situation he should resign and let someone else take over and do a better job. Did he not know about this sad situation when he stood for elections.? I cannot understand how Pomburpa/Olaulim generates an income of only 40,000/annum. Having atleast 500 households as per his statement it works out to Rs 80/household which is what the current average rate for House Tax. Besides the Rs. 4500 & 160, doesn't a Panchayat have any other sources of income? What of the licences for shops, poultry, country liquor distilleries( there are quite a few ) & new construction based incomes etc ? It is easy to blame the Govt. The Govt gives grants proportionate on the revenue generated by the Panchayat. Why doesn't the Panchayat charge some entry fee for people to use the spring. I have been there often and seen other families enjoying themselves/picnicking there. These funds could be used to keep the place clean instead of depending on the Govt. Also travelling on the Pomburpa roads is a pain because the "Panchayat" has let people extend their homes to the edge of the main road. Why should anyone want to put any project when the place has such narrow roads.? Regarding dumping of garbage, no one can dump garbage in your village if the people don't wish/allow them too . Each village including Aldona must process and take care of their own garbage. I know for sure that the people of Pomburpa are resourceful and politically active. They can definitely look after their own village instead of indulging in self pity & sob stories. Savio
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