Amid growing concerns over large-scale projects and mounting pressure on Goa's infrastructure, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho has said he will issue an advisory to panchayats, urging them to exercise caution while granting permissions and give priority to the concerns raised by Gram Sabhas.

Godinho said Gram Sabhas must be heard, particularly in areas where villagers are demanding that large projects be stopped until basic infrastructure is in place.

However, explaining the limitations of panchayats, he said project proposals reach local bodies only after securing clearances from the Town and Country Planning Department and other concerned departments. Once these clearances are obtained, panchayats cannot simply refuse permission.

Clarifying that the decision rests with the respective panchayats and not with him as Panchayat Minister, Godinho said he would nevertheless send an advisory asking them to carefully consider Gram Sabha opinions, especially in areas facing infrastructure-related problems.

He also revealed that the government is working on assessing Goa's carrying capacity to address growing pressure on infrastructure and prevent such problems in the future.