TEAM HERALD
CALANGUTE: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has alleged that the contractor appointed by Goa Tourism Development Corporation at a whopping Rs 15 crore contract had failed to lift garbage from Candolim beach, compelling locals and shack operators to burn the garbage.
Lobo gave vent to his anger after the demolition squad of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) razed two shacks at Candolim on Wednesday.
“The GTDC has awarded a Rs 15 crore contract to lift garbage on the coastal beaches of Goa. However, garbage is seen scattered all over Candolim beach, especially behind the shacks,” said Lobo.
“The garbage contract seems to be a big scam and I will write to the Anti Corruption Bureau for a thorough investigation. What is the use of spending crores of rupees on garbage when it is not cleared from the beaches,” he asked.
“The garbage should have been cleared from the beaches on a regular basis, but it is worse here at Candolim. The GTDC should have monitored the removal of garbage on priority basis, but unfortunately the demolition of shacks of locals has become its priority,” stated Lobo.
When contacted, Tourism Director Ameya Abhyankar said they have been regularly monitoring the removal of garbage from the beaches and whenever there is negligence on part of the contractor, huge fines are levied.
“Whenever there is complaint of negligence on part of the garbage contractor, we have taken it very seriously and will not hesitate to do so. We may even terminate the contract if garbage is not lifted to our satisfaction,” he said.
“The garbage dumped behind shacks could be from the shacks and with illegal number of shacks, it could be more. We will, however, look into the garbage issue and sort it out with the contractor,” added
Abhyankar.
