MARGAO
The gram sabha of Aquem-Baixo panchayat held on Sunday resolved to levy garbage tax on commercial establishments operating in the village.
The gram sabha chaired by sarpanch Avinash Sardesai, however, decided to keep on hold a proposal to collect wet waste and treat the same at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) installed by the panchayat due to strong reservations expressed by residents.
The gram sabha also could not decide on the issue of income certificates sought by tenants due to objections. After much discussion, it was decided to forward the matter to the Salcete Block Development Officer for an opinion.
While the gram sabha has decided to levy garbage tax on the shops and commercial establishments, the issue of collection and treatment of wet waste at the MRF site came in for strong objections from some of the gram sabha members, who pointed out that the wet waste, if remains untreated at the site, could pose a nuisance and health hazard to the neighbouring residents.
The sarpanch sought to allay apprehensions raised by the members, but in vain. After much discussion, it was decided to keep the proposal on hold.
The matter of the issue of Income Certificates for the tenants staying in the village dominated the proceedings of the gram sabha. Some of the gram sabha members objected to the issue of income certificates, demanding that the certificates should not be issued without the NOC from the landlords.
One of the members, however, reminded that the tenants are entitled to income certificates having registered their names on the voter list with NOCs from the landlords. Since members differed in their opinions, it was decided to refer the matter to the Salcete BDO for an opinion.
The issue over the pollution of Rawanfond creek was highlighted by member Julio Quadros, who pointed out the sad state of the water body. The gram sabha resolved to conduct a joint inspection of the water body with the Water Resources Department officials before sending a formal proposal to the WRD for action.
The presence of gaddas near the Rawanfond traffic junction was raised by deputy sarpanch Manisha Tilve, drawing the attention of the gram sabha to complaints that the presence of establishments is posing danger to traffic.
The proposal for the construction of a mobile tower near the panchayat ghar also came up for discussion. Some of the gram sabha members expressed their opposition to the tower due to its proximity to the residential area.
