the goan I network
PANAJI
In order to remove bottlenecks in the mission to make the State open defecation free (ODF) the State government has directed local authorities to grant permission for installation of individual household bio-digester toilets even if there is no consent (NOC) from landlords. The notification empowering local bodies to grant permissions even if NOCs from lessors is not produced, was issued last week by Under Secretary (Health-II) Maria Seomara De Souza.
In August 2018 the State government had notified the scheme for supply and installation of individual household bio-digester toilets in Goa.
The objective is to achieve the goal of “Open Defecation Free Goa” and the scheme is being implemented by the Goa Waste Management Corporation.
It provides for installing the toilets in any household which doesn’t have one and without prejudice to the
dispute of ownership/title/
possession, if any is pending before any authority or court of law.
Informing that a number of applications received under the said scheme are without NOC/consent of the owner/landlord, the Director of Panchayat had sought the intervention of the government under the Goa Public Health Act, 1985.
In exercise of powers vested in the Act, the notification was issued and directions given to the Director of Panchayats and also to Director Municipal Administration to consider all applications without NOC/consent of the owner/landlord and sanction benefits.
The department of health has also issued order that the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC), the implementing agency install toilets in all households so communicated by Director of Panchayats and Director Municipal Administration.
Installation of the toilets however will not in any way be taken to have regularised or legalised any structure, premises, house, hut, area or occupation of.
In the event of any dispute as regards land, building, apportionment, encroachment, including legality or illegality of structure or occupation of any structure by any person or any question related or incidental thereto, such dispute, proceedings, right, privilege shall remain unaffected, says the notification.
