Discussion on 21 key agenda items heats up Margao civic body meeting

Team Herald

MARGAO: At a lengthy 3-and-a-half-hour-long meeting, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), over 21 agenda items were discussed and several key resolutions were passed, which included the transfer of the unutilised grant of Rs 3 crore that was given to the MMC by the Art and Culture Department in 2011.

There was confusion over two contradictory proposals and thus it was resolved to convene a another special meeting to decide whether MMC has to transfer the grant back to the Art and Culture Department or transfer it to the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) for the construction of the much-delayed multi-level pay parking facility in Margao. Councillors also wanted it clarified that GSUDA hands over the facility once it’s completed to MMC.

In the meeting it was confirmed the minutes of its last eight meetings that were held over the last seven months.

Councilor Ghanashyam Shirodker, criticised the MMC Chairperson and Chief Officer for this decision given the cumbersome nature of the task.

There was also anger that resolutions taken at these earlier meetings were yet to be implemented with Shirodker questioning the delay in executing pre-monsoon works.

Another significant discussion was over the proposed repair work of the cattle shed at Old market. Shirodker proposed that the shed, which is in a dilapidated condition, be demolished and a new one be constructed on the land measuring 30,000 square metres opposite Sonsoddo, which could house other MMC’s facilities too. Shirodker suggested that the land on which the cattle shed exists, a new commercial project be built where offices could be given out on rent, which would generate revenue for the civic body. While councilor Damu Shirodkar called on MMC to take better care of its MMC properties, councilor Camilo Barreto demanded that MMC take action against alleged gambling activity taking place on its Old market premises.

MMC also resolved that all applications for construction and trade licences should be compulsorily routed through the chairperson and that the ward councilor concerned would be part of site-inspections for the same henceforth.

The council also passed a resolution to hand over land at Sonsodo to the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) for handling of wet waste in the future and that there was no need to survey this land again as MMC had already carried out a survey years ago.

An objection was raised to a proposal to shift gadda owners due to the absence of Town Vending committees that are to be reconstituted.

On a different note, it was decided to extend the contract of the recovery officer who had already recovered outstanding taxes worth RS 2,10,85,000. Other discussions were about civic works in wards, construction of two futsal grounds, etc.