Municipality moves forward with building renovation, air quality monitoring and improving waste mgmt infra
Team Herald
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MARGAO: Margao’s iconic MMC building is set to undergo a full renovation, with a consultant engaged to submit plans by Diwali, including the installation of a lift and enhanced lighting. Minor repairs, such as painting, will be done in the interim.
He added that the consultant had carried out the inspection of the building, taken the measurements, and made suggestions, including installing a lift and illuminating the building. MMC has also decided to grant the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) an NOC to set up an Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station, while it was also decided to prepare a heatwave plan for the town.
Shirodkar added that proposals regarding sorting out technical issues about the traffic signal near the housing board, an NOC for a pumping station in Fatorda for the sewerage corporation, among others, had also been cleared. It was also decided to study the road in Old Market near the Municipal Garbage area as there are demands to widen the road so that the use of the municipal property there is maximized.
MMC also passed a resolution to construct a concrete road with a gutter, rainwater harvesting tank, ramp, etc., on the eastern side of the Municipal Solid Waste Shed at Sonsoddo. Shirodkar stated that this would be beneficial in the long run as the quality of the road would improve and last for a longer period. A resolution was also passed to supply packing strips of 12mm rolls for baling plastic waste within the jurisdiction of the MMC through the 14th Finance Commission Grants.
A decision was also taken regarding the construction of a shed on the existing MMC market building. It was also decided to renovate the Ganapati Pujan Hall in the municipal garden and the workers’ room in the garden. A proposal was also made for opening a coffee shop in the garden, but it was decided to seek legal opinion first.
Hunt on for staffer accused of embezzling feast fair revenues, says MMC Chairperson
Team Herald
MARGAO: Addressing allegations of misappropriation of funds during the Margao feast fair held in May this year, MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar said legal counsel has been sought to resolve the matter. Shirodkar revealed that police are actively searching for the
accused MMC clerk, whose services were terminated, while efforts to recover the embezzled funds
are ongoing. The clerk had allegedly misappropriated over Rs 17 lakh from the revenues generated from the fair stalls.
Councillor Sagun Naik raised concerns about whether the MMC’s records are stored properly and are not being manipulated for vested interests. He gave the example of how a registration number provided by the MMC has two different party names.
In response, the Chairperson directed the Chief Officer to call the two parties concerned and also speak to the
accounts section of MMC to investigate the matter promptly.
Fiery debate over pending bills for animal shelter, Shivaji Jayanti programme
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MARGAO: A heated exchange took place at the Margao Municipal Council meeting over a backlog of payments owed to the animal /dog shelter. Former MMC Chairperson Lyndon Pereira and current Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar accused each other of negligence in clearing the 30-month pending bills. Questions were raised about the amount MMC has to pay and the need to verify these payment claims first, given
that the total figure is substantially high.
Another flashpoint occurred regarding payments for a Shivaji Jayanti programme. Opposition councillors accused the administration of financial mismanagement, but Shirodkar firmly denied the claims,
insisting that all financial records are transparent.
MMC approves phased installation of CCTV cameras to combat rising crime
Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has finally approved the installation of CCTV cameras at 38 locations within its jurisdiction in the first phase. The project, funded through the MPLAD scheme, addresses growing concerns among residents over rising thefts.
A resolution was passed at the MMC meeting held on Tuesday, marking a step forward after years of delay. Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar emphasised the need for better surveillance as a response to public demand.
