MARGAO
Garbage fees dominated the gram sabha meeting of the Village Panchayat of Camurlim on Sunday.
The gram sabha meeting chaired by Sarpanch Basil Fernandes saw members questioning the logic and rationale behind levying a monthly fee of Rs 60 as garbage tax on the households. They pointed out that while many a household may be paying the annual house tax amounting to Rs 60, the garbage tax works out a whopping Rs 720 annually.
Sarpanch Basil, however explained the members that the task of garbage management has been left to the local bodies by the government. He pointed out that unless the panchayat levy the garbage fees, the local body will find it difficult to sustain garbage management with funds not forthcoming from the government for the activity.
The sarpanch further pointed out that the Camurlim panchayat has started both dry and wet waste collection, which involves manpower and vehicles, besides their maintenance. “Unless the people cooperate and pay the fees, the garbage management project will not move forward,” he said.
After much discussion, it was finally decided that the panchayat should charge a monthly garbage collection fee of Rs 50 instead of Rs 60.
The issue of cleaning of drainages and gutters also figured at the meeting. Members told the sarpanch that the PWD should be told to clear the drains and gutters on the major roads.
The gram sabha members also sought details on the number of trees felled and branches cut down as part of the monsoon preparedness in the village.
The sarpanch placed before the gram sabha the administrative and audit reports for discussion and approval.
