Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte attending to grievances during the Sarkar Tumchya Dari event at Ravindra Bhavan Baina on Saturday.
VASCO
The shortage of doctors at Chicalim Sub-District Hospital (SDH), the shifting of the Deputy Collector’s office from Ravindra Bhavan, Baina, and the persistent pollution of Vaddem creek emerged as major concerns at the ‘Sarkar Tumchya Dari’ programme held at Ravindra Bhavan, Baina, on Saturday.
The initiative of the State government provided residents an opportunity to place their grievances directly before Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and officials from different departments.
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, Cortalim MLA Anton Vas, Mormugao Deputy Collector, Mamlatdar and officials from various government departments were present to hear the concerns raised by citizens.
Khaunte said the grievances had been marked to officers concerned and would be reviewed by departmental secretaries. Major issues requiring intervention at a higher level would be taken up with ministers concerned and, if necessary, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
On the Chicalim Sub-District Hospital, Khaunte acknowledged that the issue had been raised at several forums, including inside and outside the Assembly. He said the Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had earlier assured that doctors and other requirements would be addressed.
“The biggest problem is that we have a limited number of doctors passing out, and they are under a bond until they complete their postgraduate studies and specialisation. After that, they either establish their own clinics or choose their own paths, and we cannot hold them back,” Khaunte said.
He expressed confidence that the Health Minister would find a balance between the availability of doctors and the requirements of government hospitals, adding that he would personally take up the matter to ensure it received priority.
Regarding the shifting of the Deputy Collector’s office, Khaunte said the Deputy Collector had assured that all official operations would be moved to the Mormugao Municipal Council premises by November 1. The relocation is expected to bring the Deputy Collector and the MMC Chief Officer under one roof, facilitating coordination and quicker resolution of public grievances.
Vaddem creek pollution also figured prominently, with Khaunte calling for a coordinated, long-term solution involving multiple departments.
“Stopping electricity and water connections may be good for photo opportunities, but it is not the solution to prevent sewage from flowing into the creek,” he said, stressing that the actual flow of sewage had to be stopped.
He said authorities needed to understand the area's low-lying geography and jointly formulate a plan involving departments dealing with sewerage, health and other related matters.
Khaunte said the government would follow up with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to work towards a lasting solution to the creek pollution problem.
