TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
MERCES: Stating that the allocation of Rs 6 lakh for collection, transportation and disposal of garbage by Chimbel Panchayat is not sufficient to tackle the problem, the villagers at the Gram Sabha on Sunday resolved to increase the allocation to Rs 15 lakh so that the problem is effectively solved.
Speaking on the issue, villager, Tukaram Kunkolkar, urged the panchayat to increase the fund allocation for garbage disposal so that the menace, which is growing out of proportion, is tackled in an effective manner.
“For several years, the panchayat has been unable to solve the ever-growing garbage problem in the village and heaps of waste lying in several corners goes to show that the panchayat has failed on the garbage front,” he added while stating that one of the ways to solve the issue is to increase the fund allocation so that garbage is collected from every ward on a regular basis.
Another villager, Lourdes Conception, suggested that the panchayat should initiate the process of waste segregation if it is really serious in solving the garbage issue.
Agreeing to the suggestions, Deputy Sarpanch Chandrakant Kunkolkar informed that the panchayat is in the process of employing labourers to collect waste in the village.
“We will also charge a certain amount from every household for waste collection,” he added.
The issue of housing projects, beyond 10 tenements, cropping up in the village was also discussed with Tukaram Kunkolkar questioning the panchayat how these projects are allowed when the High Court has issued orders banning projects consisting of more than 10 tenements.
When Secretary Rajendra Gawas informed that the builders were issued licences only after they obtained relief from the High Court, Kunkolkar questioned whether there is any improvement in the deteriorating infrastructure in the village, on the basis of which the High Court had issued the ban.
“It is the duty of the panchayat to present correct facts before the High Court, which the panchayat has failed to do so, thereby allowing the builders to get relief,” he further alleged.
The controversial Sopo collection in the village also figured at the Gram Sabha with a villager, Vaz, questioning why fees are collected only from the Indira Nagar area. He further chided the decision of the panchayat to collect fees from illegal business establishments which will only promote further illegalities.
Later, a resolution was adopted to stop Sopo collection in the village and to serve notices to all illegal business establishments, which the panchayat authorities duly agreed to.
Meanwhile, three opposition panchas Mohan Narve, Mohini Narve and Rofam refused to share dais with the ruling body at the Gram Sabha alleging that they have been sidelined as far as development and other issues of their wards are concerned.
