Power Minister Ramkrishna Dhavlikar with Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai hearing grievances of the people at the Ravindra Bhavan during the Nagarpalika Chalo programme.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Issues ranging from Adani’s gas pipeline to sewage disposal, power issues and the migrant menace et al took the centre stage at Fatorda as Power Minister Ramkrishna Dhalikar descended in the constituency with MLA Vijai Sardesai during the Nagarpalika Chalo Abhiyan.
Dhavlikar later told the media that the report of the proceedings will go to the concerned departments, with a copy to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. He said the government has initiated the programme after New Delhi came to know that many files of the people are pending at the Panchayats and Municipalities, denying justice for the common man.
Margao Municipal Councillors representing Fatorda were present in strength for the programme held at the Ravindra Bhavan, attended by officials representing various departments.
Issues relating to the delay in commissioning the North main trunk line, discharge of sewage into the river Sal, the migrant menace at the Old market circle, besides power issues took the centre stage at the deliberations.
When the issue of laying of gas pipeline by Adani came up for discussions, Dhavlikar said the agency is not required to seek permissions from the government departments, except the District Collector. The Fatorda MLA, however begged to differ with Dhavlikar, saying he would not allow the recently hotmixed roads to be dug up to lay the gas pipeline.
“Who is regulating the laying of the gas pipeline? Is there any study done how the citizens should respond if the line is punctured for whatever reason. The government should come clean on this,” Vijai said.
Incidentally, Dhavlikar appreciated the Goa Forward chief for extending cooperation on the development front. Sardesai, however, said he did not attack Dhavlikar not because he enjoyed good relations with the Minister, but simply that the Minister has been sent to the constituency on the eve of the coming Lok Sabha polls.
