Fernandes was reacting to concerns by locals over water stagnation at various places, including the drains near the KTC bus stand and the fish market at Curchorem.
The Quepem Health Officer Dr Rajendra Borkar, who has been holding additional charge of Curchorem PHC, had told Herald that cleanliness was the responsibility of local bodies.
“It is the duty of municipalities and panchayats to maintain gutters and ensure cleanliness of the market and residential areas, in the interest of the public. Our role comes into the picture only if there is a public complaint, an outbreak of vector borne diseases or when local elected bodies ask us to inspect any site or request our services for a joint inspection,” explained Dr Borkar.
Fernandes said the matter regarding water stagnation had already been reported to health officials.
The CCMC Chief Officer insisted that no report had come from the PHC till date, despite assuring all assistance from ward councillors and the assistant municipal inspector.
“Every time the CCMC refers a public complaint to the PHC to inspect the site, they inspect the site and then direct the chief officer to tackle the nuisance, even though they have full powers to take action under the Public Health Act.”
“Besides, the PHC has ample powers to take punitive action against those causing nuisance, including the imposition of fines, but no authority is cooperating with the CCMC to undertake the mission of ‘Swachh Bharat Nitol Goem.’”
“I have sent a reminder to the PHC requesting a compliance report within seven days, failing which I will report to the chief secretary for necessary action.” said Fernandes.
Meanwhile, Sanvordem Sarpanch Sanjay Naik told Herald that he had inspected the drain near the government primary school at Fonkulem-Sanvordem.
“I have directed residents, who have been releasing water in roadside drains, to construct their own soak pits immediately,” said Naik.
