Benaulim sarpanch grilled over garbage disposal sites

Benaulim sarpanch grilled over garbage disposal sites
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JUNE 20  
Garbage disposal dominated the gram sabha meeting of the Benaulim Village Panchayat on Sunday, with villagers questioning the Sarpanch over steps taken to identify garbage disposal sites.
At a meeting held on Sunday, the gram sabha members asked the Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes in respect of the affidavit filed by the Panchayat body in the High Court on garbage disposal. They demanded to know from the Sarpanch the location of the vermicomposting site set up by the Panchayat body and to explain how and where the panchayat is collecting plastic waste from the village.
The gram sabha members firmly opposed any plans by the Panchayat body to shortlist open space for garbage disposal, saying the open spaces can be utilized only for recreation. The members demanded that the proposal to use open space for garbage disposal be dropped immediately saying the matter will only end up in litigations.
Agitated members contended that the Panchayat by filing an affidavit that the village has started collection of plastic waste has misled the High Court. The Sarpanch, however, said she has started plastic collection in her wards and has no idea about the situation in other wards.
When members questioned where the plastic waste collected from the ward is being dumped, the Sarpanch replied that it is stored in the Panchayat Ghar. However, the panchayat secretary, upon questioning by the members, told the gram sabha that no register is being maintained of any plastic waste collected in the village.
Gram sabha member Rudolf Barreto also questioned the Sarpanch over the appointment of a private contactor for disposal of waste and demanded to know the Panchayat had passed any resolution to appoint the contractor.
Former Sarpanch Benny Fernandes expressed dismay over the affidavit filed in the High Court by the Panchayat. The gram sabha demanded to know from the Sarpanch as to who had opposed identification of garbage disposal sites in the village as stated in the affidavit.
The gram sabha members drew attention of the Sarpanch to the resolution passed by the meeting dated October 2007 identifying a site in the village for waste disposal.
Meanwhile, the gram sabha members asked host of questions on the audit report and the failure by the Panchayat to recover revenue on various heads.
After discussions the gram sabha resolved to recover the revenue from the salary of the Panchayat members.
The inaction against illegalities including a builder, also figured during the meeting. While the Sarpanch said that the panchayat would seek legal advice before initiating action against a builder, the gram sabha members said that legal action would further delay the matter. The gram sabha also adopted a resolution demanding change in the lawyer representing the Panchayat.
The Sarpanch later adjourned the meeting to July 11, even as the gram sabha members demanded that the meeting be adjourned to next Sunday.