TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CURCHOREM: The Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) on Friday decided to send its terms and conditions to the Director of Municipal Administration (DMA), regarding the proposed Solid Waste Management Facility (SWMF) project at Cacora-Curchorem. At a council meeting, the councillors were discussing the issue pertaining to the land acquired for the proposed SWMF project.
The Urban Development department had stated in an order that the ‘DMA has sanctioned and paid to CCMC a grant of Rs 1.3 crore to acquire land for the garbage disposal at Kharangateghat in Cacora village of Curchorem.’
‘In terms of Condition 4 of the order read with Section 86(2) (j) of the Goa Municipal Act-1968, the acquired land is vested with the government. The government hereby resumes possession of the said land vested in it for its management towards setting up of technological advanced ‘Solid Waste Management System’ in public interest,’ stated the DMA order.
When councillors sought an explanation of Section 86(2) (j), CCMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes informed that government had the power to take back grants or whatever is purchased through the grants sanctioned by the government, if the council defaulted in utilizing it.
Councillor Pushkal Sawant then shot back saying that the question of default did not arise as the council had already utilized the grant for the purpose it was sanctioned.
“We acquired the land, built a compound wall and constructed a road. Now, the council must send a proposal to the government to set up a garbage plant,” stated Sawant.
When the matter came up for discussion regarding the SWMF project proposed to be set up through the Directorate of Science, Technology and Environment (DSTE), the council decided to send their terms and conditions to DMA.
If the DMA accepts them, the council will then decide whether to lease their land to DSTE or not, the councillors felt.
Later speaking to media persons, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, who was also present at the meeting, informed that garbage from the four talukas of Curchorem, Quepem, Sanguem and Dharbandora would be treated at the proposed plant.
“CCMC Councillors have agreed almost 99 per cent (to the project) and had decided to send their terms and conditions to set up the proposed plant to the government for necessary action,” said Cabral.
