PANJIM, SEPT 24
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) will gradually extend its successful waste-segregation exercise running in the capital city to Taleigao, even as it took a decision on Friday to make a beginning by providing solid-waste management services to the latter’s panchayat areas from October 1.
The issue was listed in the corporation’s ordinary meeting today where it got the nod from the councillors without much ado.
After the meeting, speaking to media persons CCP Commissioner Elvis Gomes informed that initially from October 1, eight to ten labourers of the corporation will lift waste bins in Taleigao and dispose the contents at a site earmarked by the village panchayat. Gradually we will introduce the system of separate bins for wet and dry wastes as is being done in the city, he stated.
On a question over the expenditure the corporation would incur on this exercise, initially involving lifting of bins, Gomes answered the task will cost the CCP to the tune of approximately Rs one lakh per month. The issue was discussed with the CM and a proposal pertaining to the financial implications as result of the same is before the Government, he mentioned.
Presently, a private contractor has been assigned with the task of collecting waste from Taleigao and disposing at a site allotted by the village panchayat.
PAY-PARKING: Today’s meeting that was, as usual, noisy, deferred the pay-parking matter to a later date with the Mayoress Carolina Po maintaining the Election Code of Conduct didn’t allow the corporation to take any decision pertaining to the subject. The agenda today was to discuss on expanding pay-parking to other places, besides the three areas where it has failed to take off.
STALLS: The meeting today decided not to allow temporary stalls opposite the municipal market during the festival periods like Ganesh and Christmas. Sources mentioned these stalls selling fire crackers and other items are largely set up by those having shops in the market.
GADDAS: On the long-pending issue of renewal of licenses of gaddas, the meeting decided to refer the matter to the house committee. During discussions on the subject opposition corporators made a strong demand to relocate a ‘gadda’ presently based at St Inez, near the Fire Services Department, which was run by a widow having three children.
Sources said a powerful politician wants the ‘gadda’ removed even as the woman has made a tearful plea before the commissioner saying the small business was her only source of income to take care of her family.
TEMPORARY SHEDS: Gomes said henceforth only traditional sheds would be allowed for performing religious functions of different communities. Once we allow anyone to set up a shed every year then the same people come up with claims of tradition. There are Supreme Court guidelines in this matter and here on no such shed or prayer services will be allowed on the roadside, he stated.
COMPENSATION: The CCP meeting today decided to compensate Ms S Redkar and Master Redkar to the tune of Rs 28 lakh (including interest) whose parents died in a road accident involving a corporation vehicle. Gomes said the family rightfully deserved the compensation amount and the CCP will have to set aside some small projects for this reason.
SERVICE EXTENSION: The CCP Commissioner informed today’s meeting that in view of the Code of Conduct he would be writing to the Election Commission on the decision of the corporation to extend the services of its Accounts and Taxation Officer Joaquim Colaco, who is retiring on October 31, 2010, on superannuation.
