Team Herald
VASCO: In a historic decision taken to extend support to the citizens fighting against coal dust pollution and other proposed projects by Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), during its ordinary council meet held on Friday, resolved to oppose all three proposed expansion plans by MPT.
The issue of the ongoing public hearing for MPT expansion projects and citizens fighting day-long battle to oppose the same was placed before the council by Chairperson Deepak Naik. While thanking all citizens, activists and environmentalists for taking active part in the public hearing and for building up pressure against the MPT expansion plans he said that until all issues raised by people are replied and until MPT acts responsibly, they should not be allowed any further expansions. The proposal was accepted by all the councillors present who then resolved to oppose MPT’s expansion plans.
“Firstly, we condemn MPT for its statement made during one of the public hearings as the same has been made out of frustration and anger as MPT could not digest that so many people would come to save Goa from disastrous projects inside the port. Also, those who expressed their views on proposed expansions are Goans and MPT has no right to call them outsiders. It is MPT who can be called outsiders trying to force their projects on the people of Goa,” Chairperson Deepak Naik said while briefing media after the council meeting.
He further said, “In today’s meeting, we have resolved that until MPT acts responsibly and provides proper justification and reply to the queries raised by NGOs, citizens and activists, no permission for expansion should be given to them. Also, they cannot control existing coal pollution so how they would control pollution after expansion, so it is best that they stop handling coal,” he said.
Naik said the council has also resolved to send second reminder to the Collector South Goa requesting him to implement council resolution banning transportation of coal through city road in Vasco.
During the meeting, councillor Kritesh Gaonkar claimed that MMC should follow stringent guidelines while giving occupancy to the builders for their project. He said the new multi-dwelling apartment opposite Mangor Sports Club has made no provision for parking, however, MMC has issued occupancy certificate to the builder!
To this, chairperson assured that he would look into the matter and take appropriate action.
Councillor Murari Bandekar reminded the council about its resolution taken seeking rehabilitation to demolition affected people of Baina. To this, the Chief Officer Deepali Naik said the resolution has been sent to Goa Rehabilitation Board and Council will send a reminder for speedy action. The Council also resolved to continue with the present system of granting construction licence to single dwelling with validity period of one year and multi-dwelling licences would be provided option for one or three years validity. Council also resolved to impose house tax on MPT’s offices and residential buildings after taking legal opinion.
Several other important issues, including appointment of new daily wage contract workers as per new wage rates (Rs 500 per day) to complete pre-monsoon works under Municipal jurisdiction on a war-footing, beautification of Baina garden by leasing out the garden area to Chowgule and Company for the period of 30 years, providing NOC to PWD for rehabilitation of sewerage line at several identified place, besides several other issues were discussed in the meeting that remained peaceful.
