MAPUSA
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) faced stiff opposition from several councillors over its proposal to levy sanitation charges on residents, despite the civic body having already initiated the collection of such fees.
During the council meeting held on Wednesday, MMC decided to collect sanitation tax with retrospective effect from 2020.
The move drew strong objections from opposition councillors, led by Shashank Narvekar, who argued that the fee would further burden residents already unhappy with the poor sanitation services provided by the council.
MMC Chairperson Priya Mishal defended the decision, stating that the municipal council has already begun collecting sanitation fees from individual households. However, the Mapusa Merchants Association (MMA) has also voiced strong opposition to the retrospective collection of these charges.
In a separate decision, the council approved the imposition of a dog tax, requiring all pet dog owners in the city to register their animals.
A one-time registration fee of Rs 500 has been set, with an annual renewal charge of Rs 100. Each registered dog will receive a unique identification tag.
Notably, a similar resolution on dog tax had been passed by the council in 2019, during Ryan Braganza’s tenure as chairperson and Clen Madeira’s as chief officer.
Additionally, the council approved the purchase of a JCB machine using funds from the 15th Finance Commission.
The meeting, which began at 11 am, extended well past 7 pm and was marked by sharp exchanges between ruling and opposition members.
Opposition councillors also raised allegations of serious lapses in the administration and overall functioning of the municipal council.
