ASSAGAO, Feb. 23 -- Team Herald

The Siolim-Marna gram sabha saw villagers holding the panchayat fully responsible for the environmental degradation of the village, accusing it of failing to exercise its authority effectively.

Gram sabha member and Biodiversity Chairperson Joaquim Barros questioned the panchayat on the actions taken following the July gram sabha resolutions that opposed rampant constructions and the proliferation of swimming pools.

Responding to the concerns, Sarpanch Sandesh Hadfadkar and panchayat secretary Mandrekar cited a High Court ruling, stating that the gram sabha had no jurisdiction to oppose or revoke construction licences.

However, Gregory D'Souza challenged this position, asking whether the panchayat had i...